Streaking Express Train is on track for the Hollywood Gold Cup
Streaking Express Train, winner of the San Antonio (G3), San Pasqual (G2) and Santa Anita Handicap (G1) in three starts this season, will look to keep things rolling May 30 in the $400,000 Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) at Santa Anita.
After hinting at the possibility from the winner’s circle Saturday, trainer John Shirreffs confirmed the plan on Tuesday.
“The Gold Cup would be the next logical choice,” Shirreffs told Horse Racing Nation. “I have not confirmed with (owner Lee Searing), and weather will play a factor, but tentatively the Gold Cup would be number one.”
If Express Train were to contest the Hollywood Gold Cup, he would try to become the second horse since Game On Dude in 2013 to sweep the Big ’Cap and Hollywood Gold Cup, which are both 1 1/4 miles. Accelerate also did so in 2018.
Last year, Express Train was third in the Gold Cup after missing by a half length in the Big ’Cap.
Express Train became racing’s newest millionaire when gamely fending off eastern invader Warrant by a head to win the Santa Anita Handicap. It was also his first Grade 1 win and first victory at 10 furlongs.
The 5-year-old son of Union Rags sports a record of 17: 7-4-3 with earnings of $1,325,800 for owner C R K Stable.