Benoit Photo
$250,000 Cal Cup Classic Presented by Smith Barney
BOLD CHIEFTAIN

ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 3, 2007) – Taking command in midstretch, Bold Chieftain won Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Classic, presented by Smith Barney, as champion and 8-5 favorite Lava Man faded to a disappointing sixth after leading on the turn for home.

Bold Chieftain is by Chief Seattle, out of the Seattle Dancer mare Hooked on Music, was bred by owners Langbein, Morey, Robinson, et al and was foaled at Cardiff Stud Farm. He was ridden by Russell Baze and trained by William Morey Jr.

“I’m a breeder myself. This is one good one,” said Morey.

Bold Chieftain has seven wins in 13 starts, earnings of $465,775 and was coming off a fourth in the Sept. 22 Bay Meadows Breeders’ Cup Handicap, after winning the California Dreamin Handicap on the turf at Del Mar. He had never before run at Santa Anita or at the 1 1/8 mile distance, which he traveled in 1:47.23.

Bold Chieftain stalked the pacesetters, bid three-deep into the stretch and gamely held off Celtic Dreamin, who has never finished worse than second in seven career starts. Seminole Native was third in the field of 10.

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