Super High too tough in Work the Crowd

ALBANY, Calif. - Super High ($8) took the lead on the backstretch and was never challenged down the lane as she won the $100,000 by 2 1/2 lengths over Amber Hills at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday.

Super High was bred and owned by John Harris's Harris Farms, the owner-breeder of Work the Crowd, for whom the race was named.

Super High sat just off Marty's Zee through a quarter in 22.62 and had the lead after a half in 46.08. She won the one-mile race in 1:36.09.

Princess V., also expected to be part of the pace duel, got off slowly and was never a factor in the race.

"The pace may have seemed fast, but she was just loping," said winning rider Chance Rollins of Super High. "She felt like she was going 48. I was concerned about where Princess V. would be and worried about having to use my mare too soon, but I kept looking outside and never saw her."

Runner-up Amber Hills challenged briefly nearing the quarter pole but Super High turned her back easily. Fancee Bargain ran evenly to finish third. Favored Tucked Away was fifth in the six-horse field of Cal-bred fillies and mares.

Winning trainer Carla Gaines said her only concern was the condition of the track, which was wet-fast, but said Super High "took to the mud like a duck to water."

Super High was the Cal-bred 3-year-old filly champion two years ago before suffering a broken cannon bone. Saturday's victory was her first since that season.

She earned $53,900 to lift her career total to $464,648 with seven victories in 19 starts.