Taraval scores upset in Malcolm Anderson

SAN MATEO, Calif. - Taraval ($10.80) blew past 2-to-5 favorite Banshee King in the stretch to win the $69,575 Malcolm Anderson Stakes at Bay Meadows on Sunday.

Banshee King had broken his maiden at the five-furlong distance of the stakes race only two ticks off the track record, but the 2-year-old flattened out badly even though he was in control and not pressed early.

"I was scared of (Banshee King)," winning rider Chad Schvaneveldt said. "He exploded when I went to the whip in the stretch, and I knew I had him in midstretch."

Taraval, a $20,000 yearling purchase, won the five furlong race by 2.5 lengths in 57.77 seconds, four ticks slower than Banshee King's maiden victory. He earned $39,875 for his second win in three starts to increase his lifetime earnings to $66.395.

"I knew my horse would run, but I didn't know if he was good enough," winning trainer Greg Gilchrist. "It really means a lot to win this one because I shared many a cocktail with Malcolm."