Robledo upsets Siberland

PHOENIX - The $100,000 Saturday was supposed to be a coronation that sent local hero Siberland off to bigger and better things with an eye on the Kentucky Derby. But apparently no one told Robledo.

Robledo, a Southern California shipper trained by Vladimir Cerin, wore down Siberland, the 1-5 favorite, and posted a three-quarter-length decision under David Flores.

Siberland, as expected, jumped out to the lead, setting modest fractions of 23.76 seconds, 47.32, and 1:11.57 in the 1 1/16-mile race. Robledo pounced turning for home and the two favorites battled hard through the stretch, with Robledo getting the upper hand and finishing the distance in a brisk 1:41.74. Siberland finished almost 18 lengths clear of third-place finisher Double Intrigue in the field of five.

Robledo paid $6 to win. In his last race, in the Grade 2 Santa Catalina at Santa Anita Jan. 18, he was eased and vanned off, but he was apparently none the worse for wear. The win gives Robledo three wins from six starts for earnings of over $120,000.

Siberland attracted over $500,000 of a total show pool of about $532,000, resulting in a minus pool.

Siberland's trainer, Kevin Lewis, said prior to the Turf Paradise Derby that a good effort could send his horse to Southern California, possibly for the Grade 2 San Rafael at a mile March 1.