When Game On Dude goes to post the Gold Cup on June 28, he hopes to join left coast legends Native Diver and Lava Man as the only three time winners of this mile and a quarter grade 1 race. For the first time since 1949 and only the second time in history, the second jewel of California’s handicap triple crown for older horses will be run at Santa Anita. If the seven-year old son of Awesome Again is to pull off his three-peat, he will have to conquer the likes of graded stakes winners Clubhouse Ride and Imperative. With nine previous career wins at the great race place, the Dude is no stranger to the winner’s circle that resides at the base of the San Gabriel mountains. The Gold Cup also carries major significance for this Bob Baffert trained gelding as he is making a bid to sweep the Golden State’s big three races (Santa Anita Handicap, Gold Cup, Pacific Classic) for the second consecutive year. Only Lava Man had won all three in the same year. With hall of fame jockey Mike Smith in the irons and set to guide him, it is a good bet it will be Game On for this Dude.
Recent Comments