The 18th Running of the G2 Californian
Saturday, April 30, 2022
SA Race #3 Post Time 19:10
$200.000 11/8 Dirt
4+ 123 Lbs (Plus Penalties)
Track Record-1:46.74 (Imane-2013)
Stakes Record-1:46.71 (Dark Crown-2007 @HOL)
Mintmatch was sent off as the favorite for the 18th running of the G2 Californian and the 6yo gelding rewarded his backers’ faith with a hard-fought, half-length victory on Saturday at SA. The former $35.000 claimer now has three wins (two graded) from four starts in 2022 to improve his ledger to 26-9-3-2 with earnings of $777.820.
The field broke in groups of twos and it would be the same two up top for the entirety of the 9-furlong journey. Mintmatch and Wrangler battled throughout fractions of :47.62, 1:10.93, and 1:35.09 as the field lined-up single file behind them.
It was Wrangler holding the advantage until just outside the furlong marker, and Mintmatch couldn’t completely put away his adversary until edging away in the latter stages. Hitting the wire in 1:47.69, Mintmatch had a length advantage over Wrangler who bravely held off Blown Coverage for the place honors. The latter was followed home by Combat Wombat, Catch A Buzz, and Lion Lake to complete the order of finish.
Congratulations to Mintmatch and Nakamura Stables on their G2 Californian victory and good luck to all of the runners for the remainder of their seasons.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
