2002 Cal-bred News

Four Cal-breds in Great State Challenge

HOUSTON, Tex. (Dec. 4, 2002) -- Four California-breds are expected to compete Saturday in the NTRA's $1.65 million Great State Challenge, a six-race series to be run at Sam Houston Race Park.

Continental Red was pre-entered in both the Classic and Turf, but his connections chose the $275,000 Classic at 1 1/8 miles on the dirt with one eye on the $1 million Sunshine Millions Classic in January and another eye on the imposing Forbidden Apple, the likely favorite in the Turf.

Continental Red is by Flying Continental, out of the Glaros mare Sharp Looking Lady, and was bred by Mr. and Mrs. Wes Fitzpatrick. He is a graded-stakes winner of more than $700,000 in purses.

Only The Best and Crackup entered the seven-furlong $275,000 Juvenile. Only The Best is by Smokester, out of the Mehmet mare Mesquite Miss, and was bred by Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Toffel. He is coming off consecutive wins in the Malcolm Anderson and Sunny Slope stakes, but has not run since Oct. 19.

Crackup is by Distorted Humor, out of the Habitony mare Lightly Go Lightly, and was bred by Malibu Valley Farms and Arthur and Mary Alisi. The $50,000 Barretts purchase won the California Cup Juvenile.

Miss Nicolie entered the seven-furlong $275,000 Juvenile Fillies. She is by Walter Willy, out of the Chief's Crown mare Lady Snerd, and was bred by owner Ron Gomez. The $20,000 Barretts purchase won the Generous Portion Stakes at Del Mar, was second in the Cover Gal and fourth in the California Cup Juvenile Fillies.

Adminniestrator entered the $275,000 Turf at 1 1/8 miles, but his connections decided to pass on the race.