Governor Goteven takes CTBA, gives trainer first stakes win

DEL MAR, Calif. - Governor Goteven remained unbeaten after two starts with a comprehensive win in Saturday’s $98,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes for 2-year-old statebred fillies at Del Mar, giving trainer Lisa Bernard her first career stakes win.

Governor Goteven ($8.80) stalked pacesetter Reign of Fire through an opening quarter-mile in 22.14 seconds before taking the lead outside of that rival in early stretch. Ridden by Tiago Pereira, Governor Goteven pulled clear to win by 3 1/2 lengths over 6-5 favorite Big Andy.

Governor Goteven ran 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:05.55 and earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 70.

“I knew she was training really good,” Bernard said. “She’s been a fun 2-year-old to deal with. I had a lot of faith in this filly.”

Owned and bred by Linda Templeton, Governor Goteven earned $57,000. She won her debut in a maiden special weight race for statebred fillies in an 18-1 upset at Santa Anita on May 29.

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Big Andy closed from last in a field of five to be second, and finished 1 1/2 lengths clear of 7-2 Reign of Fire. Righteously and Jasmine Chieftain completed the order of finish.

I’m So Anna, the 8-5 morning-line favorite, was scratched Saturday morning because of an elevated temperature. Love Wins was also withdrawn.
Governor Goteven, by the Indian Charlie stallion Govenor Charlie, has earned $87,000.

Bernard, 37, had her first starter in May 2019 and won her first race at Santa Anita last October. The CTBA Stakes was her fourth win and first runner in a stakes.

Bernard said Governor Goteven will be pointed to the $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes for statebred 2-year-old fillies here Aug. 30.