Governor Goteven Rules CTBA

DEL MAR, CA – Templeton Horses homebred Governor Goteven took clear control off the far turn and cruised home to rule Saturday’s $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (CTBA) Stakes at Del Mar.

Governor Goteven was the 3/1 second choice as she broke from post 2 under Tiago Pereira. Reign of Fire was hustled to the lead, but Governor Goteven soon joined her and raced two-wide heading into the far turn.

Getting clear of her rival at the 1/8 pole, Governor Goteven drew off in the stretch to win by 3 1/2 lengths. The Lisa Bernard trainee completed the 5 1/2-furlong fast dirt sprint restricted to California-bred juvenile fillies in a final time of 1:05.55.

“She broke well and then we got in a battle with (Reign of Fire),” Pereira said. “My filly was game, though, and she was willing to go with her. We put the other filly away and just went on with it.”

Big Andy hit the gate as she broke from the rail as the 6/5 favorite and trailed early. She rallied in the stretch to take second by 1 1/2 lengths over Reign of Fire.

Righteously and Jasmine Chieftain completed the order of finish. I’m So Anna and Love Wins were scratched.

Governor Goteven’s win followed her maiden-breaking debut at Santa Anita Park on May 29. The Govenor Charlie filly has now earned $87,000.

“I feel fantastic; it’s very wonderful,” said Bernard, who notched her first win at the meet. “(Governor Goteven) has been a really fun 2-year-old to deal with and I knew she was training really well. We won first time out with her at Santa Anita and I had a lot of faith in her. They just tell you. You just know sometimes.”

Governor Goteven returned $8.80 to win, $3 to place, and $2.20 to show. Big Andy brought back $2.40 to place and $2.10 to show, while Reign of Fire paid $2.60 to show.