$50,000 Ridder/Rowan Cal Cup Starter Handicap
NOBLE KINSMAN

ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 2, 2002) -- Noble Kinsman circled the field on the final turn and ran down odds-on favorite Fade to Blue in deep stretch to win the $50,000 Ridder/Rowan California Cup Starter Handicap by a neck Saturday, kicking off Cal Cup XIII at Oak Tree at Santa Anita.

Noble Kinsman is a 4-year-old gelded son of Walter Willy, out of the Chief's Crown mare Lady Snerd, was bred by owner Ron Gomez and foaled at Vessels Stallion Farm.

The win was Noble Kinsman's second in the last three starts and fifth of 21 careers races. Pat Valenzuela, who has ridden Noble Kinsman in his last three wins, was the jockey and D. Wayne Baker the trainer. The $30,000 first-place purse brought his career earnings to $154,785.

Fade to Blue, the 4-5 favorite, was second and Windy's Halo was third. Noble Kinsman ran the 1 1/2 miles on turf in 2:28.69.

Copyright © 1998-2002 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association