Fast Enough overcomes layoff and inexperience to score in Cal Cup Derby

ARCADIA, Calif. – Rafael Becerra has been a part of the Cal Cup since its earliest days, back when he was an assistant to Hall of Fame trainer Gary Jones, and they’d win races with the likes of Best Pal. But not until Saturday had Becerra, long on his own, trained a Cal Cup winner. What he pulled off Saturday at Santa Anita was a Hall of Fame piece of work.

Becerra trains the 3-year-old gelding Fast Enough, who had run once previously, back in May, when he won a 4 1/2-furlong maiden race at Santa Anita. He didn’t show up again in the afternoon until Saturday, when he was sent two turns off a layoff of more than seven months in the $200,500 California Cup Derby.

The recent training paid off, as Fast Enough had enough bottom to rally for the victory in the 1 1/16-mile race while turning back 36-1 shot Sacred Rider in the final yards.

Fast Enough ($11.60) beat Sacred Rider by a neck. It was another five lengths back to Bettor Trip Nick in third. Club Aspen, the 2-1 favorite, was fifth in the field of nine.

But Club Aspen’s trainer, Craig Lewis, and his sire, Clubhouse Ride, made amends 30 minutes later when Warren’s Showtime captured the $202,000 California Cup Oaks.

It was back at Del Mar when Fast Enough had the first of two hiccups that kept him away from the races. A sore shin sent him to the sidelines, and Becerra told Fast Enough’s owner and breeder, Craig Martin, not to worry, because there were better days ahead.

Weeks later, Fast Enough got sick, further delaying his return. But he was ready to roll on Saturday.

“Great training job,” said Martin, who bred his Bertrando mare Brilliant Melody to Eddington to produce Fast Enough.

“He’s a great owner. He listens to me,” Becerra said.

Fast Enough was ridden in his first start, and on Saturday, by Tiago Pereira, who had him sixth or seventh for the first six furlongs of the race. After saving ground early, he went outside on the far turn and wore down Sacred Rider to prevail in 1:45.23 on the fast main track.

Martin said he has six broodmares. Brilliant Melody has a 2-year-old filly by Mineshaft that will come to Becerra. She has a Finnegan’s Wake yearling. She is currently barren, and will be bred this spring to Stay Thirsty, Martin said.

Now 2 for 2, Fast Enough earned $110,000 on Saturday and has career earnings of $149,000.

'Showtime' in Cal Cup Oaks

Warren’s Showtime won for the third time in four grass races, and scored her second victory in a stakes, with a dominating victory in the California Cup Oaks for 3-year-old fillies.

After securing a good, ground-saving position for the first six furlongs of the mile race, jockey Jorge Velez found a seam and Warren’s Showtime responded with a sharp turn of foot that carried her well clear of her 11 rivals. She crossed the finish 3 1/2 lengths to the good of pacesetter Bulletproof One, who held second in a five-way photo.

Warrior’s Moon was third. Been Studying Her, the lukewarm 3-1 favorite, was well back throughout and finished 11th.

Warren’s Showtime ($10.20) was timed in 1:36.50 on the firm course.

“I thought she was the best filly, but she had missed so much time,” said Lewis, who said Warren’s Showtime spiked a fever in December that resulted in a gap of nearly four weeks between workouts.

“She really has a terrific turn of foot,” Lewis said.

Lewis trained Clubhouse Ride, as well as Warren’s Veneda, the dam of Warren’s Showtime, making this a family affair. Warren’s Showtime was bred by Benjamin Warren and is owned by Warren and his wife, Sally.

“It’s really special with Clubhouse Ride, and this filly being out of Warren’s Veneda,” Lewis said. “Now I’m reaping the benefits of the offspring.”

He’s particularly benefiting from Clubhouse Ride, as he is getting a number of offspring of a sire who has quickly made his mark in this state.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the future with him,” Lewis said.

Warren’s Showtime has now won three times in six starts. Her $110,000 winner’s share on Saturday brought her bankroll to $236,271. Her earlier stakes win came in the Surfer Girl against open company, also at Santa Anita.

“I don’t think we’ve gotten to the bottom of her yet,” Lewis said. “That said, she’s done an awful lot to date.”