Santa Anita: Unbridled’s Note holds off Chips All In in Joe Hernandez Handicap

ARCADIA, Calif. – Unbridled’s Note, second in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint last November, won the second stakes of his career in Saturday’s $76,900 Joe Hernandez Handicap at Santa Anita, holding off a late threat from Chips All In to win by a nose.

Unbridled’s Note ($3.60) and Chips All In were first and second throughout the about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course. Unbridled’s Note, who set a pace of 21.44 and 44.05 seconds, led by a half-length with a furlong remaining and was fully extended to win. The first two finishers were almost inseparable at the finish.

Ridden by Corey Nakatani, Unbridled’s Note was timed in 1:11.17, slightly slower than California Flag’s 2008 course record of 1:11.10.
Chips All In finished 3 3/4 lengths clear of Tale of a Champion, who was followed by Irish Art, Klisz, Facoltoso, and Make Music For Me. Chips All In, 4, made his first start of 2013 in the Joe Hernandez. Trained by Jeff Mullins, Chips All In was third in the Grade 2 La Jolla Handicap at Del Mar last August, his final start of 2012.

Unbridled’s Note was third in the Malibu Stakes on Dec. 26, his only start between the BC Turf Sprint and Joe Hernandez Stakes. Owned by Mike McCarty and trained by Steve Asmussen, Unbridled’s Note won the Grade 3 Eddie D Stakes on the hillside turf course last September.

“We’re glad to get him going again,” said Scott Blasi, Asmussen’s assistant. “These down-the-hill races, there isn’t anything easy about them.”
Unbridled’s Note, 4, has won 4 of 10 starts and $457,581.