Perfect Drift faces six in Hawthorne
Gold Cup
Grade 1 winner PERFECT
DRIFT (Dynaformer), an earner of more
than $2.7 million, will defend his title in Saturday’s $750,000
Hawthorne Gold Cup H. (G2). A 1 3/4-length winner at 2-5 odds in
last year’s 1 1/4 mile event, the five-year-old gelding is
expected to be an overwhelming choice once again against six
rivals.
Trained by Murray Johnson, Perfect Drift exits outstanding
runner-up finishes in the Pacific Classic (G1) and Whitney H. (G1).
He’ll spot his opponents eight-to-13 pounds as the 121-pound
highweight and will seek his first victory of 2004 on Saturday
with Pat Day in the saddle.
His challengers include QUEST STAR (Broad Brush), a multiple
Grade 2 winner on the grass, and POWERFUL TOUCH (Touch Gold), who
ships for trainer Bobby Frankel off three consecutive victories
over allowance and optional claiming opponents.
The complete field, from inside out with riders and imposts,
is Quest Star, Larry Melancon, 112; Powerful Touch, Carlos
Marquez Jr., 113; CAIMAN (Malibu Moon), Emanuel Cosme, 108;
Perfect Drift; KISSIN SAINT (Kissin Kris), Chris Emigh, 112;
FREEFOURINTERNET (Tabasco Cat), Greta Kuntzweiler, 112; and SONIC
WEST (West by West), Eusebio Razo Jr., 113.