Hanson sends out first Thoroughbred graded stakes runner

ARCADIA, Calif. – Top of the Game will be trainer Ryan Hanson’s first runner in a graded stakes in Saturday’s Grade 2 San Carlos Stakes at Santa Anita.

“For Thoroughbreds, not Quarter Horses,” Hanson was quick to point out Thursday.

Hanson, 36, has an extensive background in Quarter Horses in California and Idaho and won graded stakes for Quarter Horses at Los Alamitos in 2013. Lately, he has focused on a Thoroughbred stable at Santa Anita, which has grown from approximately three runners last summer to 11 this year.

Top of the Game, who is owned by Christopher Drakos and Robin Dunn, was claimed for $62,500 on April 22. Previously trained by Vladimir Cerin, Top of the Game won the minor Comma to the Top Stakes at a mile last October.

Top of the Game was fifth in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap at 1 1/4 miles in March. Hanson says Top of the Game is best in a longer sprint or a mile. The San Carlos is run at seven furlongs.

“There is a lot of speed in the race,” Hanson said. “If he can sit back and make a run …

“He’s an easy horse to be around.”