Day Wins, but Not in the Right Race

Pat Day’s trip to Santa Anita wasn’t a total disaster.

Four races before Gentlemen did the unthinkable and finished last in the Santa Anita Handicap, Day picked up some traveling money when Hawksley Hill scored a 7-1 surprise in the $168,650 Arcadia Handicap.

Making his first start since Oct. 18 and only his second in the United States, the 5-year-old Rahy gelding continued a hot streak for trainer Neil Drysdale, whose Via Lombardia finished second in the Grade II race. Drysdale has won with 16 of 48 starters at the meeting.

Angling to the outside for room in the stretch, Hawksley Hill took the lead in deep stretch and came away to win by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:34 4/5 for the mile on turf.

“I’m sure I’ve had streaks like this,” said Drysdale. “I’ve been doing this for 20 years. The horses are going well and we’ve got some nice ones. They’re all training well.

“Hawksley Hill] got some time off [after finishing second to Lucky Coin in the Kelso last fall in New York] and I think he’s going to be a solid horse for us this year. He beat a strong field.”

A Magicman, the pacesetter and 2-1 favorite, faded to third, nearly three lengths behind Via Lombardia, and it was a neck back to 3-1 second choice Rainbow Blues.

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Drysdale had to settle for second with Gold Land in the day’s other stakes race, the $167,550 San Carlos Handicap.

Reality Road made it three consecutive victories for owners Pete and Dorothy Pellegrino and trainer Craig Dollase with a two-length triumph in 1:21 3/5 for the seven furlongs.

Since coming to California last fall, the 6-year-old Believe It horse has won four of five starts for Dollase and his father Wally Dollase.

Ridden by Chris McCarron, the 5-1 shot sat close to the pace, then took charge in the final furlong. Gold Land, who rallied extremely wide, was a length better than 15-1 shot Son Of A Pistol.