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POMONA, CA, SEPT. 26, 2010-Long shot Cayambe led virtually from start to finish at odds of 25-1 to capture Fairplex Park's marquee race, the $75,000 Ralph M. Hinds Handicap Sunday by a neck in a three-horse photo finish, triggering a Pick Six carryover into Monday, closing day, of $45,708.
Ridden by 26-year-old Alonso Quinonez for Victor Garcia, who trains the 6-year-old California-bred gelding for the Lucky Charm Stable of Miguel Rubio Jr. of Mexico, Cayambe paid $53.40 and covered about 1 1/8 miles in 1:51.36 under 117 pounds.
Quindici Man, ridden by Victor Espinoza, was second, a nose in front of Red Door Drive, half of the favored entry with fourth-place finisher Spurrier, trained by Bob Baffert. Red Door Drive was 2 lengths in front of Spurrier, who closed from last. The entry went off at odds of 7-10.
"We knew the Baffert horse (Red Door Drive) was going to show a lot of speed," Quinonez said, "but once the gates open, you have to play it by ear and see how the race sets up, and that's what we did."
"We didn't expect to be on the lead at all," said Garcia, a Tijuana native who began training at Agua Caliente in 1987. "There were other horses in there with speed, but my horse broke good and sharp. The post (11 in a field of 11) was not a concern. I told Alonso that if the horse broke, to let him go, get a good position into the first turn and do your job. Nobody went with him."
Cayambe earned $41,250 for his ninth victory from 37 starts. The son of Helmsman has bankrolled $360,976.
Racing concludes tomorrow, Fan Appreciation Day. Admission, parking and programs are free, and pop corn, hot dogs and soda will be available at discount prices. First post time is 1 p.m.
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