Pleasanton: Let Faith Arise capitalizes on speed duel in California Wine Stakes

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Let Faith Arise let Tribal Gal and Marks Mine duel through fast fractions before pulling clear in the stretch as she won her stakes debut in the $58,050 California Wine Stakes at the Alameda County Fair on Saturday.

Let Faith Arise ($5.60) rallied nicely to win an allowance race at Golden Gate Fields on June 9, but a nice half-mile work on June 18 convinced trainer Jerry Hollendorfer to bring the Kafwain filly back after only a 13-day rest.

"She worked in between the races really good and was on her toes," Hollendorfer said, explaining the decision to run the filly in the race for 3-year-olds.

Both Tribal Gal and Marks Mine broke sharply and cut out a rapid pace. Tribal Gal led by a length through a 21.99-second opening quarter and was 1 1/2 lengths in front after a 44.55 half-mile.

Marks Mine was beginning to move up and took the lead in the stretch, but Let Faith Arise, sixth early in the field of seven, had gotten into gear.

Russell Baze eased her out in the upper stretch, and she quickly went past Tribal Gal and wore down Marks Mine with ease to win the six-furlong race by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:09.31. Tribal Gal was an easy third, three lengths behind Marks Mine.

"The pace was legitimate," said Baze, who was not that concerned that he was 7 1/2 lengths back after the opening quarter.

"At the half-mile pole, she felt so good that I felt I had a good chance. I did work her between races and told Ray (Harris, his agent) I wanted to ride this one. The only thing I worried about was if she'd handle dirt hitting her."

Owned by Tommy Town thoroughbreds, Let Faith Arise scored her fourth victory in six starts. She earned $32,450 for the victory, lifting her career bankroll to $89,990.