Echo Eddie wins Maddy Sprint

ALBANY, Calif. - Echo Eddie made trainer Darrell Vienna and owners David and Rita Milch California sprint royalty for one day at least.

Two hours after stablemate Above Perfection, also owned by the Milches, won the six-furlong Las Flores Handicap (G3) at Santa Anita, Echo Eddie captured the $100,000 Ken Maddy Sprint Handicap at Golden Gate Fields. He beat Gibson County by 1_ (one three-quarters) lengths, winning the six-furlong race for Cal-breds in 1:08.61.

Gibson County set the early pace with Echo Eddie in third one length behind him while sandwiched inside El Dorado Shooter, who was one-half length back.

With Gibson County racing wide off the rail, Pat Valenzuela moved Echo Eddie inside. Echo Eddie put a head in front as he and Gibson County began to pull away from the other three horses in the field. Inside the eighth pole, Echo Eddie began to open up on Gibson County, who finished three lengths in front of late-closing Radar Contact.

"That was a dream trip I had," Valenzuela said. "The leader was trying to get out on the turn, and I was able to get through. I barely even tapped him today, and he went on and won it."

Valenzuela rode Echo Eddie in his comeback race, the Sensational Star Handicap at 6_ (six one-half) furlongs down the hill on the Santa Anita turf course. He held the lead after six furlongs in a sizzling 1:06 before finishing second.

"This horse gives it his all every time he runs," Valenzuela said. "He gave me his all last time and set some fast fractions and held on for second. I knew him better today."

El Dorado Shooter, who won the Maddy last year, faded to last, prompting jockey Chad Schvaneveldt to say, "Something's not right with him."

Millionaire Men's Exclusive was scratched after developing a cough in the morning and a 102-degree fever.