Keh, Lopez, Richmond, et al’s PURE AS GOLD (Stolen Gold) moved through an
opening on the rail and spurted clear to an impressive 1 3/4-length win in the
$109,400 San Simeon H. (G3) down the
firm Hillside Turf Course at Santa Anita on
Saturday. Ridden by Pat Valenzuela, the chestnut gelding rated off the pace as
the leaders set fractions of :21 4/5 and :44 for the opening half-mile. As the
group headed for the stretch, Pure as Gold took advantage of a large opening
along the inside path and flew home, completing the about 6 1/2 furlongs in a
brisk 1:12 1/5 for Doug O’Neill. Sent off at a healthy 7-1, the winner keyed
$1 exotics of $63.80 (exacta), $202.20 (trifecta) and $1,742.60 (1-9-3-5 superfecta) while paying $17.80, $8.80 and $3.60.
Saint Buddy (Saint Ballado) did his best work late in earning a graded
placing, good for $8.20 and $4.20 at 7-1. Siren Lure (Joyeux Dancer), the
even-money choice, was never in contention but rallied on the outside for the
show another neck back, worth $2.80. Margaritalosflores (Artax) was next and
followed by We All Love Aleyna (Nines Wild), Grafton (Rahy), Moth Ball (GB)
(Royal Applause [GB]) and Seattle Buddy (Seattle Slew). Diamond Fury (Sea of
Secrets) was withdrawn.
Pure as Gold was claimed for $50,000 four prior and has earned his third
straight win over this turf course. The four-year-old moved his mark to 14-6-1-1
with a bankroll of $204,444.
The winner was bred in the Emerald State by Mr. & Mrs. Al Kirkwood and
produced from the multiple stakes-winning Pure Wool (Relaunch), who also
produced the two-time stakes-placed Pure American (Quiet American). Pure as Gold has
a pair of half-siblings, a yearling filly named Pure Refinement (In Excess
[Ire]) and an unnamed 2006 colt by Storm Creek.