By Alan Carasso
A maiden winner and third in last year's Brittania H. at Royal Ascot while under the care of Richard Hannon, California Whip (Giant's Causeway) had been placed at both his local runs, including a tough-trip third going 1400m on the turf Dec. 27. Opting for this spot over Sunday's Hong Kong Classic Mile, California Whip was the 8-5 second choice trying the dirt for the first time as the 133-pound top-weight and landed handy to the pace after departing from the inside gate. Pulled outside by Neil Callan nearing the lane, the Tony Cruz-trainee was roused to the front with a furlong to race and drew away to score by 2 3/4 lengths. The final time was the third-fastest at the distance in the current season and was 0.20 quicker than the time recorded earlier on the program in Class 1 by Eroico (Aus) (Starcraft {NZ}).
California Whip, g, 4, Giant's Causeway–Canterbury Lace, by Danehill. Sha Tin, 1-18, Hcp. ($159k), 1200m, 1:08.45. B-Barronstown Stud (KY). *Formerly Chief Whip. **1/2 to Chachamaidee (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), Hwt. Older Mare-Eng at 5-7f, Hwt. Older Mare-Ire at 7-9.5f, G1SW-Ire, MGSW & G1SP-Eng, $650,743; and J Wonder (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), MGSW-Eng, $190,113. ***$250,000 Wlg '13 KEENOV. VIDEO
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