Fast Enough just that, winning Cal Cup Derby in his second start

A 4 ½-furlong debut winner on May 31 in his only prior start, Craig Martin’s homebred Fast Enough rallied late to collar longshot Sacred Rider close home as he won Saturday’s $200,000 California Cup Derby by a neck under Tiago Pereira, who collected his second stakes win of the day.

Trained by Rafael Becerra, Fast Enough, a 3-year-old gelding by Eddington, got a mile and one sixteenth in 1:45.23.

Seventh, about five lengths off the lead mid-way around the far turn, Fast Enough rallied five-deep turning for home and gradually gained the advantage with about 30 yards to run.  

Off at 9-2 in a field of nine Cal-bred or sired sophomores, Fast Enough paid $11.60, $8.60 and $5.80.

“He needed some time off because he had sore shins and he got a little sick, so that gave me more time to develop him," Becerra said. "After that he was fine. I think he is going to get better.

“I was confident because I saw no other horses coming. That three horse (Sacred Rider) would not give up. Tiago knew he had the horse, he just had to keep him focused.

“We will see what is next. We will talk it over with the owners and go from there.”

Out of the Bertrando mare Brilliant Melody, Fast Enough is now two for two and with the winner’s check of $110,000, he has earnings of $149,000.  

Sacred Rider, who shipped south from Golden Gate Fields, was an attentive third early and when early pacesetter Bettor Trip Nick tried to slow the pace down heading up the backside, he stayed clear of any traffic trouble while about three lanes off the fence.  

Off at 36-1 under Abel Cedillo, Sacred Rider, who finished five lengths in front of Bettor Trip Nick, paid $28.20 and $11.00.  

Ridden by Catalino Martinez, Bettor Trip Nick, who was off at 7-2, paid $4.80 to show.  

Fractions on the race were 23.64, 47.83, 1:12.21 and 1:38.51.