California Flag wins Hollywood Turf Express. November 30th, 2008
California Flag cruised to a four-length victory in the $150,000 Hollywood Turf Express at Hollywood Park on Saturday.
Ridden by Joe Talamo, California Flag covered six furlongs on the turf in 1:08.81 and paid $5.40, $3.80 and $3. Racketeer returned $11.40 and $5.40, while the show payoff on Delta Storm was $4.
California Flag, a 4-year-old gelding, won for the third time in his past four starts and won $90,000 to boost his earnings to $283,216.
I dont think Ive ever won a race that easily, Talamo said. When a horse is running that fast and that good for you, theres no sense using him up. Just as soon save him for next time.
In other stakes action, Mr. Rod won the $109,300 Generous Stakes.
Ridden by Chantal Sutherland, Mr. Rod covered one mile on the turf in 1:35.04 and paid $15.60, $5.40 and $3. Bittel Road returned $2.80 and $2.10. Hype and Bourbon Bay finished two lengths back in a dead heat for third, each paying $2.10 to show.
With the win, Mr. Rod has career earnings of more than $125,000.