California Frolic catches Sports Editor in Presious Passion Stakes

Sixth and 10th in his first two starts over 1 1/2 miles on turf, California Frolic was first in his third, stalking from third and fourth under Samuel Marin before reeling in pacesetting Sports Editor in the $100,000 Presious Passion Stakes on Sunday at Monmouth Park.

California Frolic won by one length, with Sports Editor 3 1/2 lengths clear of third-place Highland Chief, the 9-5 favorite. Juan Avila trains California Frolic for owner Julian De Mora Jr., though California Frolic has spent most of his career with other trainers.

Avila said, despite the modest previous showings over 12 furlongs, he was looking for longer distances with California Frolic, who was sixth Aug. 16 going 1 1/16 miles in the Oceanport Stakes at Monmouth. Avila read his horse right, California Frolic finished energetically after a good trip under Marin to win going away.

California Frolic, by California Chrome out of Curlin’s Frolic, by Curlin, clocked 2:32.28 over a firm course and paid $4 to win.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.