Labamta Babe defeats bad-break Siphonic

ARCADIA, Calif. - Labamta Babe took advantage of a bad start for odds-on favorite Siphonic, then held off Siphonic before drawing clear for a 5 1/2-length victory in Saturday's Grade 2, $150,000 * at Santa Anita.

Labamta Babe had finished fourth, behind Siphonic, in last month's Hollywood Futurity. But a combination of factors propelled Labamta Babe to victory in the Santa Catalina. He rated sensibly early in third place, and benefited by the bad luck that befell Siphonic.

Siphonic, the 1-10 favorite, has been known for his calm demeanor, but he was agitated in the paddock before the race. He then stumbled badly coming out of the gate. He lagged at the back of the pack for the first six furlongs of the 1 1/16-mile race, then made a powerful, four-wide move on the far turn. But the poor start and wide trip compromised Siphonic, who lost his punch in the final furlong after nearly reaching Labamta Babe's hip.

Siphonic was second, three lengths in front of third-place Cottonwood Cowboy. Siphonic carried top weight of 123 pounds, eight more than Labamta Babe.

"He slid coming out of the gate. I just gave him three-eighths of a mile to make sure he was OK," said Jerry Bailey, who rode Siphonic. "On the first turn, I thought I had no chance, but on the far turn, I thought he might be so good he could overcome it all. I thought he ran a tremendous race. I hope he comes out of the race good physically."

Labamta Babe, ridden by Kent Desormeaux, was the second choice in the race. He paid $13.20 for $2 to win after completing the distance in 1:42.50 on a fast main track.

Siphonic had $846,155 of the $889,753 show pool bet on him. There was a minus pool of $166,214.54 on the race.

Bobby Frankel trains Labamta Babe for owner Ed Gann. The 3-year-old colt, a son of Skywalker, has now won twice in six starts.

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