Thirsty John leads all the way in California Cup Derby
ARCADIA, Calif. - Never mind the layoff.
In his first start since May, Thirsty John won his stakes debut and first race at a distance in his second career start in Saturday’s $200,000 California Cup Derby for statebred 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles at Santa Anita.
Thirsty John ($6.60) led throughout and held off a late surge from 8-5 favorite Giver Not a Taker to win by a half-length in 1:45.51.
Ridden by Juan Hernandez, Thirsty John set a reasonable pace of 23.45 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 47.68 for a half-mile, always leading by at least a length.
“It was important to have a comfortable pace for this horse,” Hernandez said.
Thirsty John extended his lead to two lengths with a furlong remaining and faced a late challenge from Giver Not a Taker, who was second throughout. Hernandez resorted to a hand ride in the final strides after sensing that Thirsty John resented being hit with a whip.
“He showed a lot of heart,” Hernandez said. “When I touched him with my whip, I don’t think he liked it. He tried to stop. I just hand-rode him. He got the job done.”
Thirsty John earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 73.
Giver Not a Taker was favored on the strength of two wins for statebreds as a 2-year-old. Giver Not a Taker appeared beaten in early stretch, but made the race close in the final strides.
“I’ve got no excuse,” jockey Flavien Prat said. “He’s a grinder and the other horse is quicker and he opened up.”
Passarando, a two-time stakes winner in 2022, closed from fourth to finish third. Crypto Ride, Geezer and Amigo G A completed the order of finish. Merit Song was pulled up in early stretch and vanned to trainer Hector Palma’s stable, according to track stewards.
Thirsty John, a colt by Stay Thirsty, won his debut in a maiden race for California-breds at 4 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita last May when trained by Walther Solis. Thirsty John is owned by breeder Terry Lovingier in partnership with Tom London and Eugene Zondlo.
Lovingier said Thirsty John underwent surgery last year to have a bone chip removed from an ankle.
Last fall, Solis became farm manager at Lovingier’s Southern California farm. Thirsty John was transferred to trainer Peter Miller, who also trains Giver Not a Taker.
Thirsty John has earned $150,200 in his two starts.
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