12 Ene. USA. San Rafael S. G3. Santa Anita Park. 8f. AW. 150.000 $
1.- EL GATO MALO (D.Flores)
2.- INDIAN SUN (A.Solis)
3.- MASSIVE DRAMA (R.Bejarano)


El Gato Malo is making a career of getting his own way.

In Saturday's Grade 3, $150,000 San Rafael Stakes, El Gato Malo ($6.80) had a perfect trip in the one-mile race for 3-year-olds, winning by 6 1/4 lengths over the Cushion Track and setting a track record of 1:33.37.

Ridden by David Flores, El Gato Malo was fourth early behind a remarkably quick pace of 22.25 and 44.34 seconds before sweeping past Massive Drama, Talk of a Cat, and Sierra Sunset to take a commanding lead in the final furlong.

"I saw there was speed, but there was more than I thought," Flores said. "When he blew by those horses, he was playing around. I was enjoying the ride."

Indian Sun, last of six for the first half-mile, finished second, three-quarters of a length in front of Massive Drama, the 3-2 favorite who led by a length at the eighth pole. Sierra Sunset, Talk of a Cat, and Overbid completed the order of finish.

Massive Drama led early, but could not shake clear of Talk of a Cat and Sierra Sunset.

El Gato Malo, by El Corredor, is unbeaten in three starts. He beat maidens by 5 1/2 lengths in a six-furlong race at Hollywood Park on Nov.o18 and won the one-mile Gold Rush Stakes by 4 1/4 lengths at Golden Gate Fields on Dec. 15.

Owned by the West Point Thoroughbreds partnership, El Gato Malo has earned $160,200.

"He's the real deal," trainer Craig Dollase said.