Carthage captures Bay Meadows Breeders' Cup Sprint

SAN MATEO, Calif. - Favored Carthage ($4.20) may have won Sunday's Grade 3 $108,125 at Thursday's draw.

Breaking from the outside No. 5 post, Carthage broke alertly, kept Trickey Trevor pinned to the rail and pulled away late for a one-length victory, winning the six-furlong race in 1:09.33. Areyoutalkintome, who hopped at the start and was well behind the field early, finished third, 1 (one one-half) lengths behind Trickey Trevor and 1 (one and one-half) lengths in front of last-place Bonfante.

"It was like two different races coming out of the gate," winning jockey Dennis Carr said. "I didn't want to let Trickey Trevor get outside us. I wanted him to have to eyeball us from the inside.

"We eyeballed each other to the quarter pole. Just when you think you might be reaching to the bottom, he's got a little more."

Steve Sherman, who saddled Carthage for his father Art, who left for a vacation cruise to the Greek Isles Friday, said the two hadn't talked much about what could be next for the 6-year-old gelding who has now won five straight, including four stakes.

"He's never had to beat a full field of runners before," Sherman said. "It's important to beat more than just one horse.

"I knew (Trickey Trevor) would not give up. You just hope your horse can handle it down the lane."

Carthage earned $68,750 for his ninth victory in 18 starts as he boosted his career earnings to $308,935.