Firsts for Cummiskey in China Basin

ALBANY, Calif. - Irish-bred Cummiskey ($12.60) wound up with plenty of firsts in winning the $55,625 China Basin at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday.

The 4-year-old gelding purchased by trainer James Cassidy for himself this spring scored his first stakes victory, first U.S. victory and first turf victory, capturing the China Basin at 1 1/16 miles on the turf by four lengths over First Rate Event, who nosed out pacesetting Shadow Raider for second.

Cummiskey had been 0-for-5 on turf in Great Britain and ran fourth and third on the turf in his first two American starts.

"It went better than I thought," winning jockey Dennis Carr said. "He broke nicely, and it seemed like nobody wanted to go, but then Shadow Raider did I just sat off him."

Carr stalked from off the rail and had plenty horse heading into the lane.

"Looking at the Form, he seemed to hang so I was a little concerned about taking the lead, but he came through just fine," said Carr after Cummiskey had pulled away in the lane.

Cummiskey earned $27,500 to raise his career total to $90,574 with three wins in 16 starts.