Boise catches Degree of Risk in Gold Rush
Favored Boise ($5.40), whose late kick found him finishing fourth a nose behind Degree of Risk in the Qatar Golden Mile on the Breeders' Cup undercard, reversed that outcome and won the $76,800 Gold Rush by one-half length at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday.
Trainer Jonathan Wong said before the race he thought Boise could have won the Qatar had he started his move a bit earlier, but the Temple City colt moved at just the right time in the Gold Rush under Evin Roman.
Il Capitano, who came north to win a one-mile first-level allowance race with a $50,000 claiming option in his last start, won an early three-horse drag race to get the lead and was ahead by five lengths through a 46.85 half, but was fading badly before reaching the quarter pole.
Degree of Risk, second choice at 19-10, was able to get first run on Boise, rushing past Il Capitano, Saint Ives, and Bamdera Azteca to take the lead in the lane.
Boise, who had steadied on the second turn, was sixth but in the clear while racing two wide and was able to kick into gear in the stretch. He angled out and dug in as he approached and wore down Degree of Risk, winning the mile race in 1:37.96. Golden Nugget winner Dr Pescado was third another length back edging C'Mon Man by a nose.
“He's still learning and has room to improve,” Wong said of Boise. “He really took off once he got clear.
“He's capable of anything. He's won on turf and synthetics and won at five-eighths and a mile. He should be able to go longer. He couldn't blow out a candle when he came back.”
A $20,000 Keeneland yearling purchase, Boise earned $45,000 in his first stakes win for owners Jason Hall, Scott Herbertson, and Sheldon Steinmetz. He has earned $72,000 with two wins and a fourth in three career starts.