Antares World romps in Golden Poppy

ALBANY, Calif. - Antares World ($3.20) sat behind pacesetting Kaloula early, moved on her own, and was never seriously challenged as she won the $60,000 Golden Poppy at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday.

A 3-year-old Decarchy filly, coming off a troubled trip in the Grade 2 Providencia at Santa Anita two weeks ago in her last start, Antares World got a dream trip in the 1 1/16-mile turf race.

She settled nicely as Kaloula, who added blinkers for the race, went to the lead. She moved up on her own and shook clear into the lane with little urging from jockey Frank Alvarado. She was never challenged, winning the race by lengths three lengths over Bleach Blonde, who held off Jules J by a neck for second. Winning time was 1:44.25.

"At Santa Anita I made a big mistake. I took too big a hold and she got mad and fell too far back," Alvarado said.

"I knew she'd be tough today. She was laying close and running very relaxed. I could have made the lead anytime I wanted but I just took my time. I wasn't worried about the leader, I was worried about Jules J because I knew she'd come flying. My filly finished strong."

A homebred racing for Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams, Antares World earned $36,000 for her second stakes victory and fifth win in 10 starts for trainer Steve Specht. Her career earnings are $170,710.