Super Quercus prevails in Bay Meadows 'Cap

SAN MATEO, Calif. - Super Quercus, who had been racing well versus tougher down south, ran down the leaders in deep stretch to win the $200,000, Grade 3 Bay Meadows Handicap by a length Saturday.

With Russell Baze aboard, Super Quercus lagged far back in fourth place in the about 1 1/8-mile grass race, as Most Likely opened a long lead. Takarian raced second, with Sign of Hope third most of the way, and the first four were each separated by several lengths.

The four horses tightened up as the race progressed, but Super Quercus was still fourth at midstretch and Most Likely, ridden by Brice Blanc, was holding off all challenges. Super Quercus, however, surged past in the final few strides and was quickly going away at the end.

Most Likely held on for second by three-quarters of a length over Sign of Hope in a game effort, with Takarian another neck back in fourth. The winner, owned by 3+U Stable and trained by Bobby Frankel, ran the distance in 1:47.50. He paid $3.60.