Game on Dude’s front carting earns him the Native Diver Handicap
Game on Dude is back, as he announced his arrival back to winning ways with a courageous front-running victory in the Grade 3, $250,000 Native Diver Stakes Presented by the Oak Tree Racing Association held at Betfair Hollywood Park’s cushion track on 1 December,
2012.
It was a first start for the Bob Baffert trained 5-year-old gelding, who disappointed in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park on 3 December, 2012, after being sent as the 13 to 10 favourite, but was good enough for Nonios in the Native Diver
Handicap, who turned in a strong challenge at the furlong pole, but jockey Mike Smith guided Game on Dude to a 1 ¼ length victory.
Owned by Joe Torre’s Diamond Pride, Lanni Family Trust, Ernie Moody’s Mercedes Stable, and Bernie Schiappa, Game on Dude won the Native Diver Handicap, with a $100,000 boost in purse from last year, which surpassed the $3 million mark in Game on Dude’s earnings,
who won his 10th lifetime start in the Native Diver Handicap out of 22 career starts.
Raced as a 124 pound highweight, Game on Dude was sent as the 3 to 10 choice in a field of five, and had a steady start from the gate.
Nonios on the other hand was in the front due to that in no time, but through the clubhouse turn, Mike Smith kicked Game on Dude on the inside to take the lead, as he edged past Nonios and went on to post the opening quarter mile in 24.52 seconds, half-mile
in 49.81 seconds, and 6 furlongs in 1 minute and 14.97 seconds.
"He had a little hiccup coming out of the gate," said Smith. "He was squatting a little. I have a couple of ideas maybe we'll try (next time). “
"I know this horse is brave, so I just put him where I thought I had to. He handled the track well."
Nonios was persistent enough to finish second on the day, and the defending Native Diver champion, Kettle Corn, found enough encouragement to draw closer to the leader, as he finished third.
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