Street of Gold storms home to win Krantz Memorial

NEW ORLEANS – Running in her 14th consecutive stakes race and coming off a neck defeat in the Blushing K. D., Street of Gold loomed as the mare to beat in the Marie G. Krantz Memorial on Saturday at Fair Grounds.

She ran according to form, storming from well off the pace to score a half-length victory over Mizz Money in the $60,000 race turf race for fillies and mares 4 years old and up. Haunted Heroine finished third, another 1 1/2 lengths back, in a field of 12.

“Big effort,” said Brad Cox, who trains Street of Gold for Anne Smith's Elm Racing. “She's been doing great. Super pleased with her. She was 3-2. She ran like it. … She definitely likes this turf course. It took a Grade 1 winner [Kitten's Dumplings] to beat her last time.”

Jockey Robby Albarado guided Street of Gold through a smooth trip. Mizz Money, who pressed Masquerade for the early lead through a moderate pace – the first half-mile was run in 49.09 seconds – took charge midway on the backstretch. Street of Gold was settled in ninth place along the inside heading into the final turn, then Albarado swung her to the outside, clear of traffic, before they reached the stretch.

Street of Gold steadily gained ground on the leader and took command nearing the finish line. She completed about 1 1/16 miles on good turf in 1:43.94 and paid $5 to win.

The victory was her fifth in 34 starts. A 6-year-old daughter of Street Sense, Street of Gold boosted her career earnings to $273,075.

“I ran down a good one, too,” Albarado said. “I ran down a really good filly there.”

He knew Mizz Money well, having won the Grade 3 Pucker Up on her last summer at Arlington Park.