McCanna, Alvarado work magic again as Rager scores in Oakland
Trainer Tim McCanna and jockey Frank Alvarado seem to have the magic going in Golden Gate Fields sprint stakes, and they needed that magic Saturday as Rager ($19) scored a victory in the $66,400 Oakland.
The two teammed up for the tightest of photo victories when Top Harbor edged In Our A in the El Dorado Shooter last month.
Rager broke from the No. 2 post and got away nicely, while favored In Our A hopped as the gate opened and was left behind the field of seven.
Papa's Golden Boy, who scored back-to-back stakes victories in front-running style this summer at Emerald Meadows, took the lead, cruising through a 22.00 opening quarter. He maintained his lead into the stretch after a 44.26 opening half, but he began to drift out after passing the eighth pole.
He forced Border Town to take up, but Rager, racing just outside Border Town, was not bothered and shot past Papa's Golden Boy to assume the lead, while Ultimate Bango took advantage of the wide-open rail and unleashed a strong closing kick.
Rager pulled clear, and Italiano rallied for second to nip Ultimate Bango.
Rager won the six-furlong sprint in 1:09.19, beating Italiano by one length with Ultimate Bango third, another head back. In Our A, who had five wins and five seconds in 10 lifetime starts, managed to run fourth despite his disastrous start, finishing another half-length back.
Jethorse LLC claimed Rager for $40,000 at Del Mar on Aug. 29 and saw him run second in his first start for them here on Oct. 30, losing a photo before getting the lead “one jump” past the wire in McCanna's words.
McCanna said he and long-time owner Steve Reger of Jethorse had liked the 4-year-old Into Mischief gelding's form and took him when entered for a tag at Del Mar.
The victory was worth $30,500, giving Rager a total of $35,500 since the claim and career earnings of $187,010 for his fourth victory in 19 starts.