American Farmer's stalking strategy works in McCann’s Mojave Stakes
American Farmer, a fixture in several leading races in Northern California in the last year, won the second stakes of his career with a stalking trip in Saturday’s $75,000 McCann’s Mojave Stakes for California-breds at Golden Gate Fields.
American Farmer closed from third in a field of five to take the lead in the final furlong under jockey William Antongeorgi. American Farmer won by a half-length over a stubborn Crazy Dreams, the 3-2 favorite who was well placed throughout and led briefly in the stretch.
Jimmy Blue Jeans faded from an early lead to finish third by 3 1/4 lengths, followed by Ward ‘n Jerry and Bobby’s Alibi in the small field.
American Farmer ($6.20) ran 1 1/8 miles on the synthetic main track in 1:51.20 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 89. American Farmer trailed Jimmy Blue Jeans by three lengths on the backstretch. Jimmy Blue Jeans had an uncontested lead through early fractions of 24.58 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 49.25 for a half-mile.
Antongeorgi brought American Farmer three-wide on the turn to reach contention.
A 6-year-old horse by Bluegrass Cat, American Farmer has won 6 of 35 starts and earned $318,390 for BKB Stables and trainer and co-owner Steve Sherman.
The McCann’s Mojave Stakes was American Farmer’s second win in three starts this year.
American Farmer won an optional claimer at a mile on Jan. 14 in which he was eligible to be claimed for $62,500. He was fourth by 2 1/4 lengths behind Crazy Dreams in an allowance race on Feb. 19.
In the summer of 2020, American Farmer won the $66,350 Robert Dupret Derby on turf at Golden Gate Fields. The McCann’s Mojave was his sixth appearance in a stakes.
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