2002 Cal-bred News

Cal Cup Distaff a Puzzle

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2002) - Bear Fan, or no Bear Fan? That was the question.

As it turned out, no Bear Fan.

Trainer Wesley Ward's lightly raced 3-year-old filly sensation will not show up for any of the California Cup races Saturday. Her absence contributed to making the $150,000 John Deere Cal Cup Distaff a scramble in which 17 fillies and mares entered for the run down Santa Anita's hillside turf course at about 6 ½ furlongs. Only 14 will run.

From win machine Channing Way to last year's Cal Cup Distaff Starter winner Lil Sister Stich, from last year's runner-up Warren's Whistle to comebacking Top of Our Game, the Distaff's lure is so strong that it drew the largest field on the card.

Del Mar Yearling Sales graduate Warren's Whistle could go favored off the strength of her seven career wins and runner-up finish in this race last year, even though she is winless in 10 turf starts. She is by Wolf Power, out of the Pirateer mare Velveteen, and was bred by Robert Harmon.

Channing Way is a sprinting win machine (10-for-14), but she faded in her only turf try when she couldn't get the lead. She is by Smokester, out of the Wig Out mare Only Silk, and was bred by owner Lawrence Becker. She beat Warren's Whistle in last year's Melair Stakes.

Lil Sister Stich won last year's Cal Cup Distaff Starter Handicap at 1 1/8 miles on the turf, and she has been nominated to the Distaff, Matron and Distance races. If her last prep was any indication where she'll wind up, she won a $62,500 turf claiming race on this hillside layout.

Top of Our Game will be making her fourth start off a layoff and is a turf stakes winner of a year ago, but she has never won on the Santa Anita lawn. She is by Steinlen, out of the Imasmartee mare In True Form, and was bred by owner Harris Farms.

Of the six regular nominees posting a $500 fee, only Jenna's Joy entered. She is a 3-year-old bred by Haagsma, Haagsma and Tillema who looked sharp returning Oct. 13 after being eased in last year's Cal Cup Matron; and Storm Kisu, bred by SLU Inc. and third in the race last year.

The other entrants: Song of the Moment, Real Paranoide, More Mascara, Party Pirate, Filigree, Fancee Bargain, Yes We Do, Grant Marty a Wish and Mimi's Cafe. The also-eligibles are Re Vote, Mabel Kent and Serene in Seattle.