Governor Goteven rebuffs challenge, pulls away in Generous Portion Stakes
DEL MAR, Calif. – Governor Goteven was headed at the top of the stretch in Sunday’s $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes for California-bred 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar.
It was only a brief change in the order of running.
After setting a quick pace of 21.96 seconds for the opening quarter-mile, Governor Goteven fought off a challenge from Emma’s Dance to retake the lead in the stretch. Governor Goteven pulled clear to win the six-furlong race by 4 1/2 lengths, extending her winning streak to three races.
The win was not a surprise to trainer Lisa Bernard, who expressed confidence in Governor Goteven in the days before the race.
“I trust the filly,” Bernard said after Sunday’s race. “She’s been training awesome.
“Mentally, the light is starting to go off. She’s a smart filly.”
Still, the threat from Emma’s Dance was a concern for Bernard, who has recorded her first two career stakes wins this summer with Governor Goteven.
“You have to have faith in the horse,” Bernard said. “She just starts coming back.”
Ridden by Tiago Pereira, Governor Goteven ($6.80) was timed in 1:12.21.
I’m So Anna, the even-money favorite, closed from fifth in a field of six to finish second, a half-length in front of Big Andy. Governor Goteven and Big Andy were the first two finishers of the CTBA Stakes for statebred 2-year-old fillies here Aug. 1.
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Emma’s Dance faded through the stretch to finish fourth, followed by Do You Hear That and Mucha Woman.
Governor Goteven, by the Midnight Lute stallion Govenor Charlie, has earned $144,000 from her three wins for owner and breeder Linda Templeton. Governor Goteven won her debut in a maiden special weight race for statebred fillies on May 29 at Santa Anita.
Bernard said Governor Goteven will remain in the statebred filly division this fall.