Tribesman all the way in Whiting

Odds-on Tribesman ($3.20) broke sharply and was never seriously challenged in winning the $50,000 Sam J. Whiting Handicap at the Alameda County Fair.

The Kjell Qvale homebred outbroke primary rival Bamaha Breeze, who ran second all the way, in the four-horse field that saw each runner maintain the same position the entire race. Tribesman won the six-furlong race by 1 1/2 lengths over Bamaha Breeze, with Guns on the Table third, another two lengths back. Edit This finished last.

Magic Texan, a stablemate of Bamaha Breeze who might have been able to apply pace pressure to Tribesman, was scratched.

"He broke so good, I don't think [Magic Texan] would have been a factor," winning jockey Russell Baze said. "I asked him a little bit turning for home, because I didn't want to chance him easing up. I had horse left."

Winning trainer Roger Hansen said Magic Texan's scratch "changed the race," making it easier for Baze. He said the 5-year-old Tribal Rule gelding would try to defend his California State Fair Sprint Title at Sacramento on Aug. 29.

Tribesman earned $31,000 while recording his fourth straight victory and 10th win in 17 career starts.