Profound Secret wins Whiting

PLEASANTON, Calif. - Profound Secret ($14) took advantage of a hot pace duel, rallying from last to win the $50,880 Sam J. Whiting Handicap at the Alameda County Fair on Saturday.

As Sempai and Fight For Silver battled through quick 21.42 and 44.18 fractions in the six-furlong race, Profound Secret was last at the quarter call and had only one horse beaten after the half mile. But he began to move up entering the stretch.

He was blocked behind horses, but jockey Joey Castro angled him into the clear and he put in a strong run to win by two lengths over fast-finishing Texas Chili in 1:09.15.

Profound Secret's trainer Kent Molinaro recalled his horse's victory and subsequent disqualification in the Alamedan Handicap two years ago.

"It did feel good to win in my hometown," he said. "There was no doubt today he was the best. When they held up the 21-and-2 (opening quarter), I knew he'd have a real shot."

Profound Secret has now won seven of 47 starts, lifting his earnings to $434,890 for owner Robert Molinaro, the father of the trainer. He also has 17 seconds and six thirds.

"That happens," Kent Molinaro said of the second-place finishes. "When you have a horse who comes from behind, you need luck."