Berkeley, Calif.— Named after Bay Area media icon Sam Spear, Monday’s inaugural running of the Sam Spear Memorial at Golden Gate Fields was won by 4-year-old gelding I’mgonnabesomebody. Ridden to victory by Santos Rivera, the son of Will Take Charge set leisurely fractions of 24.64, 49.70, and 1:13.68 before holding of runner up finisher and 9-5 race favorite Jimmy Blue Jeans throughout the length of the stretch run.
I’mgonnabesomebody hit the wire three-quarters of a length ahead of Jimmy Blue Jeans and produced a final clocking of 1:43.76 seconds for one mile and a sixteenth on firm turf.
Winning trainer Bill McLean was thrilled to win the Sam Spear Memorial, named after legendary sports media figure Sam Spear, who passed away last October at the age of 72. Spear was an icon in the Bay Area sports world and, along with hosting horse racing radio and television shows, also held the position as publicity director for Bay Meadows and Golden Gate Fields throughout a large portion of his career.
“I got to know [Sam] on and off-track,” said McLean. “I went to his house one night for a big party. We went to a bunch of wine tasting deals. After the races, we’d all go out to eat. Sammy was great, great, great. He had a great sense of humor. He was big for horse racing.”
I’mgonnabesomebody, sent off as the third choice in the betting at 7-2, paid $9.60 to win, $4.40 to place and $3.20 to show. Jimmy Blue Jeans returned $3.60 to place and $2.60 to show. Third place finisher Me and Mr. C paid $3.00 to show. Harmon rounded out the superfecta, followed by Black Caspian, Huge Bigly, Govenor’s Party, American Farmer and Our Silver Oak.
I’mgonnabesomebody was purchased for $30,000 at the 2019 Keeneland September Yearling Sale by McLean and a large co-owner group that includes Nin Auyeung, Sharon Broetzman, Phillip Crosby, Cheryl Hauck, Todd Miller, Elizabeth Moran, and Marilyn Taylor. In his racing career, I’mgonnabesomebody has produced five wins and one third-place finish from 11-lifetime starts. With the Sam Spear Memorial victory, career earnings for I’mgonnabesomebody have climbed to $109,780. He was bred in Kentucky by Elm Tree Farm LLC.
Live racing at Golden Gate resumes on Friday and runs through Sunday this week, with first post each day at 1:45 PM.
Santa Anita Park Press Release
Photo: I’mgonnabesomebody wins the Sam Spear Memorial (Vassar Photography)
