Catalina Cruiser Repeats in San Diego Handicap

Hronis Racing's Catalina Cruiser captured his first stakes victory one year ago in Del Mar's San Diego Handicap (G2), and the son of Union Rags  repeated his success July 20 by once again wiring the $196,000 event.

While last year's edition turned into an easy 6 3/4-length romp for the John Sadler trainee, Catalina Cruiser maintained his lead by one length at the wire Saturday.

"The objective of the other jockeys was obviously to press the pace, but he was running smooth all the way. When you're 1-to-9, there's a lot of conversation about style points and things like that, but he was comfortable all the way," Sadler said. "The fractions were slow, but this is not a fast track. We'll check the speed figures and things, and we'll see how he comes out of it and decide whether to run in the (Aug. 17) Pacific Classic (G1) or not. We've got options."

Only four horses entered the gate for the 1 1/16-mile contest, with Catalina Cruiser bet down to the 1-9 favorite. Jockey Joel Rosario was aboard the chestnut, and the two grabbed the lead from the rail, setting fractions of :24.52, :48.94, and 1:13.04. Draft Pick rushed into second to Catalina Cruiser's outside and left only a length advantage. Mongolian Groom was eager to go but breaking from the outside had to settle for a close third just over Core Beliefs, who bobbled at the start.

After tracking Catalina Cruiser throughout, Draft Pick could not keep up with his rival, and Mongolian Groom moved into second. Catalina Cruiser kept control through a 1:37.71 mile and stopped the clock in 1:44.20 on a fast track.

"I'm sure glad to be here today and especially to ride a nice horse like this," said Rosario, who traveled back from the East Coast where Saratoga Race Course canceled Saturday's card because of extreme heat. "He was comfortable out there. He didn't mind that horse next to him. When it came time to go, he just went ahead and did his job. He's a pro."

Mongolian Groom finished second, 1 1/4 lengths in front of Draft Pick, and Core Beliefs came home fourth.

The San Diego marked the sixth win from seven starts for Catalina Cruiser, whose lone loss was a sixth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) at Churchill Downs in November. He opened his 5-year-old season with a victory in the True North Stakes (G2) June 7 at Belmont Park.

Catalina Cruiser was bred in Kentucky by W. S. Farish and consigned by Lane's End at the 2015 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Martin Anthony went to $370,000 to purchase the white-faced colt, who has since earned $571,100 for Hronis Racing.

Out of the Mineshaft  mare Sea Gull, Catalina Cruiser is a half brother to Ben Ali Stakes (G3) winner Eagle , by Candy Ride . Sea Gull foaled a full sister to Eagle Jan. 25.