Santa Anita notes: All hands on deck for Ann’s Gold

ARCADIA, Calif. – The heat wave that hit Santa Anita over the weekend affected a couple of runners who suffered from heat exhaustion, including the filly Ann’s Gold, who collapsed near the outside rail after her race Saturday and was tended to by scores of people, from veterinarians to the gate crew and track executives.

Ann’s Gold was in a precarious position. Great care was used to extricate her, and trainer Jack Carava said she was doing well the next day.

“Everybody did a great job, working together,” said Carava, who said Dr. Dana Stead, the track veterinarian, oversaw the ontrack care. “Dana working on her, my crew, the guys on the starting gate, everyone.”

Ann’s Gold collapsed about 100 yards in front of the finish along the outer rail and was laying partially under the rail. A rubber mat was put under her, and she was slid to safety before she popped up after her body was cooled with water.

“We got lucky,” Carava said. “She’s going to be fine. We’ll have to see how she progresses mentally, but physically, she’s fine. If the weather heats up gradually, the horses can adjust, but we went from cool, 60-degree weather to racing in 90 degrees.”

◗ Game On Dude worked a half-mile Tuesday in 49 seconds in his first drill since winning an unprecedented third Santa Anita Handicap on March 8. His next start is scheduled to be a defense of his title in the Charles Town Classic on April 19.

◗ Rafael Bejarano, the meet’s leading rider, was given a three-day suspension by stewards, beginning Saturday, for the disqualification of Brave Act from the win in the fifth race last Saturday.

◗ Big Macher, second in the San Carlos Stakes to Sahara Sky on March 8, worked a half-mile in 49.40 seconds Tuesday for trainer Richard Baltas. They could meet again in the Grade 2, $200,000 Potrero Grande Stakes on April 12.