Drysdale Keeps Hot Streak Going With Topic

Bamford and Speelman’s Topic, the 2-1 favorite in a field of nine older fillies and mares, rallied from last place under a rousing ride by jockey Garrett Gomez to win Friday’s featured $95,700 CTT and Thoroughbred Owners of California Handicap.

Gomez had Topic trailing the field in the early stages of the mile and three-eighths marathon over the infield Jimmy Durante Turf Course. He asked the three-year-old filly for run nearing the final turn and Topic responded to loop her rivals and cruise to a 3 ½ -length victory in 2:12.85 for the distance.

Freedom Reigns, a 21-1 longshot, ran well to be second, 1 ¼ lengths in front of I Dazzle who nosed out Silver Hustler for third money.

Topic, from the barn of trainer Neil Drysdale, returned $6.40, $4.60 and $3 after scoring her second victory in eight starts. First prize of $56,820 increased her earnings to $145,410. In her previous race, the daughter of Discreet Cat was third in the Grade I American Oaks at Betfair Hollywood Park.

Freedom Reigns paid $18.20 and $6.60, while I Dazzle returned $3.