B Squared surges in final furlong to take California Flag

ARCADIA, Calif. - Jockey Mario Gutierrez was full of praise for B Squared after the 3-year-old colt rallied in the final furlong to win Saturday’s $100,690 California Flag Handicap at Santa Anita.

B Squared ($17.20) closed from fourth in a field of seven to win by a half-length over 2-1 Richard’s Boy.

“I couldn’t imagine a better race than this,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez played a major role, guiding B Squared through a perfect trip.

Gutierrez had B Squared behind pacesetter Richard’s Boy for the first five furlongs of the race at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course. B Squared was third with a furlong remaining and closed with a wide rally to take the lead in the final sixteenth.

B Squared was timed in 1:11.35.

Richard’s Boy, who will be considered for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar on Nov. 4, finished 1 1/4 lengths in front of Tribalist, the 4-5 favorite. Tribalist was second in early stretch, but could not sustain the effort.

El Tovar finished fourth, followed by Gold Rush Dancer, Dr. Troutman, and California Diamond.

B Squared races for Paul and Zillah Reddam and trainer Doug O’Neill. Bred by the Reddams, B Squared won his third start in the Silky Sullivan Stakes for Cal-bred 3-year-olds on turf at Golden Gate Fields. B Squared lost his next four starts in stakes races around two turns, including a third behind West Coast in the Grade 3 Los Alamitos Derby in July and a last-place finish in an eight-horse field in the Grade 3 Oklahoma Derby at Remington Park on Sept. 24.

Gutierrez said a shorter distance and a return to turf were key factors in B Squared’s win. By Square Eddie, B Squared has won 3 of 8 starts and earned $243,735.