Hunka Burning Love takes Governor's Cup by 6 1/2 lengths in return to dirt

Hunka Burning Love returned to dirt and the winner’s circle Friday night when he darted to a 6 1/2-length victory in the $75,000 Governor’s Cup at Remington Park.

He has now won five of his last six starts, with his lone loss a turf race last month at Lone Star Park.

The Governor’s Cup was the opening night feature at Remington. Hunka Burning Love ($8.20) was content to track the pace set by Pioneer Spirit, who took the field through an opening quarter in 23.63 seconds and a half-mile in 47.55. Hunka Burning Love moved to the fore through six furlongs in 1:11.41 and went on to cover the mile and an eighth on a fast track in 1:48.18. He paid $8.20 in the none-horse field.

Lamartine finished second, three-quarter of a length in front of Mocito Rojo.

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Hunka Burning Love was ridden by David Cabrera. The horse races for his owner, Karl Broberg. His streak started on May 11, in an overnight handicap at Will Rogers Downs. Hunka Burning Love then won a May 20 allowance at Will Rogers and a June 10 allowance at Lone Star before becoming a stakes winner in the $75,000 Lone Star Mile on June 28. Hunka Burning Love finished fourth in his turf debut July 26 before returning to dirt in the Governor’s Cup.

Hunka Burning Love is a son of Into Mischief. He has now won 13 of 42 starts and earned $399,180.