__CATALINA EDDY PRESSES PACE & HOLDS OFF FAVORED OLD PAL FOR HALF LENGTH WIN IN $63,000 SANTA ANITA ALLOWANCE FEATURE __

SANTA ANITA’S HOLLYWOOD MEET OPENER RUN UNDER SUNNY SKIES, IDYLIC CONDITIONS

ARCADIA, CA (April 21, 2023)—In his first try going a route of ground, the Craig Lewis-trained Catalina Eddy pressed the pace and outran a game Boss Sully late as he registered a half length win in Friday’s $63,000 Santa Anita allowance feature as The Great Race Place staged day one of its 28-day Hollywood Meeting which will conclude on June 18. Ridden by Joe Bravo, Catalina Eddy got one mile on turf in 1:35.16.

Under sunny skies and a high temperature of 91 degrees, Boss Sully went to the front but was shaded to his outside by the winner throughout. With Bravo stepping on the gas around the far turn, Hector Berrios, aboard Boss Sully, appeared to have quite a bit of horse under him and he fought back bravely as Catalina Eddy moved to within a half length of the pacesetter leaving the quarter pole.

From there, Catalina Eddy, despite the fact he lugged in with Bravo, gained the advantage inside the sixteenth pole with even money favorite Old Pal unable to go with the top two through the drive.

Off as the 5-2 second choice in a field of six California-bred sophomores, Catalina Eddie, was beaten some 17 ½ lengths at the same statebred allowance level going six furlongs on dirt March 4, paid $7.20, $3.60 and $2.40.

“It’s nice when they run faster than everybody else,” quipped Bravo, who rode Catalina Eddy for the first time today. “He’s a pretty straightforward horse. I think with more racing, he’s just going to keep getting better.”

A chestnut colt by Square Eddie out of the Johar mare Frege, Catalina Eddy is owned by Rainmaker Racing, LLC. A maiden winner going 6 ½ furlongs out of Santa Anita turf chute two starts back on Feb. 18, Catalina Eddy has two wins and a second from four starts. With today’s winner’s share, he increased his earnings to $92,840.

“We wanted to be close to the pace today and Joe rode him great,” said Lewis. “He’s a runner. We’re happy about the win and we’re hoping we’re going to have some opportunities down the road. I’ll tell you this, my exercise boy loved this horse today. He’d been training great coming into this.”

The actual third choice at 5-2, Boss Sully was gallant in defeat, returning $3.40 and $2.40 while finishing 1 ½ lengths clear of Old Pal.

Although he was within a length of the lead while three-deep turning for home, Old Pal lacked the necessary kick and checked in third, 1 ½ lengths in front of Tom and Jazzy. Off at even money with Juan Hernandez, Old Pal paid $2.10 to show.

With the temporary inner rail set at 30 feet, fractions on the race were 24.06, 48.86, 1:12.69 and 1:23.95.

First post time for a 10-race card on Saturday that will be highlighted by the Grade II, $200,000 Californian and the Grade III, $100,000 Kona Gold Stakes, is at 1 p.m. with admission gates opening at 11 a.m.