Carthage puts end to streak

The speedy Carthage ($5.60) got an easy lead and was never challenged as he defeated Halo Cat by 4 1/4 lengths in Saturday's $60,950 San Carlos Handicap at Bay Meadows. The win snapped trainer Jerry Hollendorfer's streak of consecutive stakes wins in northern California.

Hollendorfer had won the last seven stakes races run in northern California dating back to Nov. 25. He had won the last 11 northern California stakes in which he had a starter, dating back to Oct. 15.

"You can't win them all," said Hollendorfer after the race. "We thought our horse ran really well. As long as we try as hard as we can, we don't worry about it.

Breaking from the rail on a sloppy track, Carthage, ridden by Dennis Carr, was able to take the lead over Onebadshark by a length at the half-mile pole and extended his margin from there, winning the six-furlong stakes in 1:08.

The Hollendorfer-trained Halo Cat stalked and moved three wide into the lane and wore down Onebadshark late to take second by a neck. Court's in Session was another two lengths back in fourth.

"He's an outstanding horse in the slop," said winning trainer Art Sherman of Carthage. "I thought if it came up sloppy, he could be dangerous."

Carthage, a son of Smoke Glacken, earned $33,500 for his first stakes victory and sixth win in 15 starts.