Gomez adjusts, Arson Squad wins Strub

ARCADIA, Calif. - Lessons that jockey Garrett Gomez learned in the San Fernando Breeders' Cup Stakes on Jan. 13 were put to good use in Saturday's $300,000 Strub Stakes at Santa Anita.

Gomez rode Arson Squad to a fourth in the San Fernando but was angry that he'd left the gelding with too many lengths to make up in the final quarter-mile.

In Saturday's Grade 2 Strub Stakes, Arson Squad raced closer to the pace, and rallied along the rail to win by 1 1/4 lengths over 10-1 Spring at Last.

"I got to know him a little bit last time," Gomez said. "I moved from too far back the other day and it was my fault."

Arson Squad was never far from the rail in the Strub. He finished 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.65.

Brother Derek finished third, a half-length in front of 9-5 favorite Midnight Lute in the field of six 4-year-olds.

Arson Squad won his third stakes in the Strub, and has won 5 of 11 starts and $565,450 for owners Mace and Samantha Siegel and trainer Bruce Headley.