McCann's Mojave wins Berkeley impressively

ALBANY, Calif. McCanns Mojave ($8.20) got a perfect trip and pulled away in the lane for an impressive victory in the Grade 3 $150,000 Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate Fields on Monday.

McCanns Mojave, who bled badly and finished last in last years Berkeley after he had moved to the front, sat in third behind dueling favorite Desert Code and Our Partner during the early running. He ranged three wide approaching the quarter pole, gobbling up the two leaders and pulling clear for a 3½-length victory over the favored Desert Code in the 1 1/16-mile race. The winning time was 1:43.06.

Desert Code drifted out late in the stretch and bumped Pass the Heat but survived an inquiry to retain second with Pass the Heat finishing third another one-half length back.

The race played out exactly as McCanns Mojaves trainer, Steve Specht, had hoped as the 8-year-old horse sat in a perfect stalking position.

That was so sweet, just the way we planned it this morning, winning jockey Frank Alvarado said. At the three-eighths pole, I was thinking, Im looking so good right now. He moved so easy, I didnt ask him until the three-sixteenths.

Richard Migliore, who rode Desert Code, said his horse relaxed nicely despite the pace duel.

Hats off to the winner, he was the best horse today, he said. I know McCanns Mojave, and hes a nice horse. When I looked at his works, I knew he was primed for this race. He ran a big race, and my horse ran well too.

McCanns Mojave, an 8-year-old horse by Memo, earned $90,000 for owner Mike Willman, increasing his career earnings to $1,468,565 with his 12th victory in 34 starts. He is 3-for-5 with a second at Golden Gate Fields.

He just has a beautiful stride and loves this racetrack, Specht said.