Central Heat goes for eighth straight win in Luther Burbank

Two years ago, Central Heat won an optional claimer on the turf at Santa Rosa, and she’s never looked back. She ran second in the Miss America at Golden Gate in her next start and hasn’t lost since, scoring seven straight wins.

Central Heat will be a strong favorite Sunday as she bids to defend her title in the $50,000 Luther Burbank Handicap, a 1 1/16-mile turf race for fillies and mares at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa.

“She’s one of a kind,” trainer Bill Delia said. “She loves to train and knows what her job is.”

A daughter of Unusual Heat, Central Heat has been particularly effective on turf, but also has a pair of main-track victories during her winning streak.

Her victory in the May 14 Golden Poppy at Golden Gate, when she inched away from Chocolatier to win by a half-length, may have been her most impressive victory. It was her second start after an eight-month layoff and came only 20 days after a strong comeback win.

“She looked hopelessly beaten turning into the stretch, especially when coming back only 20 days after her last race,” Delia said. “But she loves winning.”

This is her first start since then.

“She was quiet for a while, and we passed on a chance to run down south,” Delia said.

“This race is coming up right for her. Her last two works were really good for her. She likes this course. She’s won twice here.”

Ricardo Gonzalez rides her Sunday, and he has won twice with her, including the victory at Santa Rosa that started the incredible run.

Among her eight rivals are Qiaona, who comes off a fourth in an optional claimer at Santa Anita and was beaten 6 1/2 lengths by Central Heat in an allowance race in April; Castellani, who came to California over the winter after having raced up and down the East Coast; and Elegant Bel, who will almost certainly set the pace.

LUTHER BURBANK (Race 9)

KEY CONTENDERS

CENTRAL HEAT, by Unusual Heat

Last 3 Beyers: 86-91-89

◗ She drew the outside post, but has enough speed to get good position early.

QIAONA, by Wilko

Last 3 Beyers: 86-80-91

◗ She is 2 for 2 at the 1 1/16-mile distance of the Luther Burbank.

◗ She’ll sit back early and make her presence felt in the lane.

CASTELLANI, by Quality Road

Last 3 Beyers: 83-83-78

◗ She has made three starts in Northern California, winning once by a neck and losing twice by a neck.