Albany, Calif. (Nov. 19, 2016)–A repeat performance of last year’s $50,000 Oakland Stake Race was given today by Star Student. Ridden by Julien Couton and trained by Dan Markle, Star Student did just what he was supposed to do; he held back following the pace, waiting to the very end to capture the victory by half a length. An early scratch in the day from Spirit Rules left today’s speedster, Quick and Silver, all alone with the pace, hitting the first pole in 21.78. Dream Saturday, trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, was sent after him early on and the two horses led all the way until the turn, bumping and brushing repeatedly, until they both gave out. Stocking wide was Star Student who then rallied between the two rivals to cross the line in 1:09.03. Chasing with him were Indian Brut and Mah Gellin who finished respectively.
“I didn’t understand why everybody was kind of out at the first pole, but we all knew the pace was going to be a pretty fast fraction at the first pole and we just had to be patient, we had one way of going and it was to be patient. We needed one move from the 5/16 to the wire and he really put me right there to do that,” said Couton.
In a field of nine, Star Student left the gate at nine-to-two paying $11.40 when it was all said and done. Dan Markle in the winner’s circle was happy to have the race that fit Star Student perfectly lay out like planned. “I knew he had a lane to run into, so it was just up to the horse to get there. And Julien just kept riding him for every step he could out of him. And Julien just fit him perfectly. It was a real nice ride, and you have to give the horse a lot of credit for trying every step of the way. I wish I had more horses like him. He doesn’t get bothered in the paddock. And the post parade is a cakewalk for him. He doesn’t waste an ounce of energy. He uses it for the run down the lane. Luckily we won this race again,” said Markle.
Next weekend at Golden Gates Fields will be Stakes Weekend with the Golden Gate Debutante Friday and highlighted by the premier GIII Berkeley Handicap on Saturday. Tomorrow is Dollar Day where every Sunday it is $1 Beer, $1 Hot Dog, $1 General Admission, and $1 Program. Golden Gate Fields will be running until December 11th. The First Post time Thursday – Sunday is at 12:45 PM.