American Farmer Outfinishes Crazy Dreams In Inaugural McCann’s Mojave Stakes. (Vassar Photography)
Matt Dinnerman/Golden Gate Fields
BERKELEY, Calif.—6-year-old horse American Farmer stalked the pace, moved up to challenge the leaders approaching the quarter pole, put away pacesetter Jimmy Blue Jeans at the furlong pole, and out finished runner up finisher Crazy Dreams for a hard-fought, half-length victory in the signature race of the day at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday, the $75,000 McCann’s Mojave Stakes. Winning jockey William Antongeorgi III guided American Farmer to victory for trainer Steve Sherman.
The McCann’s Mojave, named in honor of the California-bred millionaire owned and bred by Santa Anita Publicity Director Mike Willman, was one of three new races for California-bred or sired runners added to the Golden Gate Winter/Spring meet stakes schedule this year. As a racehorse, McCann’s Mojave won the 2007 Grade 3 All American 2008 Grade 3 Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate. He was victorious in the Sunshine Millions Classic in 2007, the California Cup Classic in 2005, and the Grade 2 Potrero Grande Breeders Cup Handicap in 2004. The son of Memo won seven stakes throughout a 7-year career, with five other lifetime wins. His career earnings added up to $1,513,565.
American Farmer, sent off as the 2-1 co-second choice in the wagering with Jimmy Blue Jeans, stopped the clock for one mile and an eighth in 1:51.20 seconds. Runner up finisher Crazy Dreams was sent off as the post time favorite at 3-2. American Farmer paid $6.20 to win, $3.40 to place and $2.40 to show. Crazy Dreams returned $2.80 to place and $2.10 to show while Jimmy Blue Jeans paid $2.10 to show. Ward ‘n Jerry crossed the line fourth, and Bobby’s Alibi completed the field in fifth.
American Farmer, bred and owned by BKB Stables and also co-owned by Steve Sherman, is now a 2-time stakes winner. As a 3-year-old, he was victorious in the Robert Dupret Derby. A son of Bluegrass Cat out of the Quiet American mare Farmers Wife, American Farmer has won 6 races from 35 lifetime starts, with 9 seconds and 6 third place finishes. Receiving a check of $45,000 for his victory in the McCann’s Mojave, American Farmer improved his career earnings to $320,640.
Live racing at Golden Gate resumes on Sunday with a 9-race card. First post is 1:45 PM PT.
