Pure as Gold gives O'Neill a sweep

ARCADIA, Calif. - Trainer Doug O'Neill swept the two turf stakes at Santa Anita on Saturday when Pure as Gold pulled an upset in the $109,400 San Simeon Handicap.

Earlier on the program, O'Neill won the Santa Barbara Handicap with Sharp Lisa.

Pure as Gold ($17.80) ran about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course in 1:12.56.

Ridden by Patrick Valenzuela, Pure as Gold stalked the pace, took the lead after the field crossed over the dirt onto the main turf course and won by 1 3/4 lengths over Saint Buddy.

Saint Buddy finished second, a neck in front of Siren Lure, the even-money favorite who was seeking his fourth consecutive stakes win at Santa Anita.

The victory marked the first stakes win for the 4-year-old gelding who was claimed for $50,000 in February. Owned by a partnership, Pure as Gold has won three consecutive starts on the hillside turf course.