California Diamond Shines In Barretts Juvenile

Reserved off the pace by Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux, California Diamond, the 6-5 second choice, responded when a seam developed in the stretch and won the $ 100,000 Barretts Juvenile Sunday at Los Alamitos.Trained by Peter Miller for Gary Hartunian’s Rockingham Ranch, the 2-year-old son of Harbor the Gold and the Slewdledo mare Carrie’s a Jewel collared pacesetter Crosscheck Carlos with an eighth of a mile to run and went on to score by 1 ¼ lengths.

Purchased for $ 125,000 at the Del Mar Paddock Sale of Horses of Racing Age July 25, California Diamond completed the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.37 and paid $ 4.40, $ 3.20 and $ 2.10.

The victory was the third in five starts for the dark bay, who began his career with two wins – including the Santa Anita Juvenile July 9 – for former trainer John Brocklebank. California Diamond, who was bred by Stormy B. Hull, has been second in his two losses. He’s earned $ 212,100.

“Riding him last time was paramount in learning about him and I can do even better next time,” said Desormeaux, referring to the colt’s runner-up effort in the I’m Smokin Stakes Sept. 2 at Del Mar.”A seam was going to open up eventually because this is the longest stretch in America and when I picked a spot he really responded.”

Returning to Southern California after collecting a win and a second in two efforts on the road in Louisiana and Colorado, respectively, Crosscheck Carlos, the 9-1 third choice, finished seven lengths clear of Big League, the 4-5 favorite also trained by Miller for Rockingham Ranch.

Crosscheck Carlos returned $ 6.80 and $ 2.60 while the show price on Big League, who had finished second behind eventual Del Mar Futurity winner Klimt in the Grade II Best Pal Aug. 13, was $ 2.10.

Entering the final four days of the Los Angeles County Fair meet at Los Alamitos, Stewart Elliott tops the jockey standings with 11 victories, five clear of runner-up Santiago Gonzalez.

Miller and Hall of Famer Bob Baffert are tied in the trainer’s race with four wins apiece.

Racing resumes Thursday at Los Alamitos. Post time is 2 p.m.

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