A Sea Trippi scores for Spatz

Trainer Ron Spatz did it again at Calder on Saturday, winning the $100,000 U Can Do It Handicap for the third time in five years after A Sea Trippi rallied to a 2 1/4-length decision over 2-1 favorite Running Bobcats in the 6 1/2-furlong filly and mare dash.

Under jockey Eduardo Nunez, A Sea Trippi rallied from just off the pace to take command approaching the stretch on a track downgraded from fast to sloppy earlier in the day. A Sea Trippi, a daughter of Trippi out of Best of the Sea, quickly opened a commanding advantage turning for home, then easily held safe a late bid from Running Bobcats. American Miss rallied from far back to finish third.

Spatz, who won the first two editions of the U Can Do It in 2002 and 2003 with Chispiski, trains A Sea Trippi for the Buckingham Stables Inc. One of only two 3-year-olds in the field, A Sea Trippi paid $12.20 after covering the distance in 1:18.09.