Specht Ready for Cal Cup Day
Like Punxatawney Phil on Ground Hog Day, Steve Specht pops up like clockwork at Santa Anita on Sunshine Millions California Cup Day.
The popular event focusing on California-breds will be presented on Saturday, and the Bay Area-based trainer has three horses entered on the card featuring six stakes races: Marks Mine in the $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint; Alasharchy in the $200,000 California Cup Oaks; and Unusual Meeting in the $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic presented by City National Bank.
Specht trains each horse for Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams, prominent owners and breeders for many years in the Golden State. Each horse will be ridden by Northern California-based jockey Frank Alvarado.
“Alasharcy is doing well; she’ll be tough,” Specht said of the daughter of Decarchy-Alashir’s World. “I was disappointed because I couldn’t get a race for her earlier; she hasn’t run for a couple months (since winning at Golden Gate on Nov. 29). I tried to get a race up there a month ago, but it didn’t fill.
“She’s a very fast filly. She’ll probably be on the lead. If somebody gets crazy, she can sit off, if need be. But she runs hard every time. She very seldom runs a clunker.”
Specht’s signature victory came in the then-$1 million Sunshine Millions Classic in 2007 with 33-1 outsider McCann’s Mojave at Gulfstream Park.
“That was the biggest win of my career,” said Specht, who trained the late multiple graded stakes winner for owner/breeder Mike Willman, Publicity Director at Santa Anita.
Specht had high praise for the Williamses and their dedication and loyalty to California racing.
“They’ve been in it a long time,” he said. “Most of these horses, I’ve trained their mothers. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are very good people. Training for them is the best job I’ve ever had.”
The field for the Filly & Mare Turf Sprint: Kathleen Rose, Corey Nakatani, 12-1; Journey On, Martin Pedroza, 9-2; Heat Du Jour, Patrick Valenzuela, 12-1; Marks Mine, Frank Alvarado, 9-2; Runfasterelse, Julien Couton, 12-1; Sudden Sunday, Tyler Baze, 20-1; This Means War, Joe Talamo, 4-1; Unusual Hottie, Rafael Bejarano, 7-2; Warren’s Flasher, Alex Bisono, 20-1; Tribal Spy, Irving Orozco, 8-1; and Ciao Bella Luna, Kent Desormeaux, 9-2.
The field for the Oaks: Norastone, Alonso Quinonez, 12-1; Susans Express, Kent Desormeaux, 30-1; Harlington’s Rose, Tyler Baze, 30-1; Alasharchy, Frank Alvarado, 6-1; Chilada, Martin Pedroza, 20-1; Princess Genevieve, Mike Smith, 6-1; Kukaluka, Gary Stevens, 12-1; Sprague River, Joe Talamo, 9-2; Sprouts, Mario Gutierrez, , 6-1; Rovenna, Victor Espinoza, 6-1; Water Issues, Martin Garcia, 20-1; Cal Gal, Irving Orozco, 12-1; Swiss Lake Yodeler, Rafael Bejarano, 7-2; and Anniversary Kitty, Corey Nakatani, 8-1.
The field for the Turf Classic presented by City National Bank: Summer Hit, Rafael Bejarano, 7-2; Affrettando, Orlando Mojica, 20-1; Lucky Primo, Martin Garcia, 15-1; Empty Headed, Alonso Quinonez, 10-1; Huntsville, Mike Smith, 5-1; Weewinnin, Joe Talamo, 8-1; Jules Journey, Gary Stevens, 5-1; Tiz a Minister, Saul Arias, 6-1; China Prince, Corey Nakatani, 12-1; Unusual Meeting, Frank Alvarado, 20-1; Stoney Fleece, Victor Espinoza, 8-1; Hittheroadrunning, Tyler Baze, 20-1; Jonny’s Choice, Patrick Valenzuela, 30-1; and Maybe Tuesday, Kent Desormeaux, 8-1.
Santa Anita presents the California Wine Festival on Cal Cup Day. Fans can experience the best wine regions in the state by sampling fine wine and food pairings at The Great Race Place. Visit www.santaanita.com/events for details.