Luthier Fever Hangs On

Luthier Fever, refusing to wilt as Best Pal challenged down the stretch, won the $250,000 California Cup Classic, the highlight of a $1 million day for California-breds at Santa Anita.

The victory was the first in a stakes race for Luthier Fever, a 4-year-old chestnut ridden by Gary Stevens. Best Pal, the richest active thoroughbred, finished second by 1-1/4 lengths.

Two broodmares in foal to Seeking the Gold each brought more than $1 million during the first session of Keeneland’s 11-day November Breeding Stock Sale in Lexington, Ky.

Pegasus Bloodstock, on behalf of Himukai Farm, paid $1.4 million for Vee See Are, a 5-year-old broodmare by Devil’s Bag out of Video by Nijinsky II.

The dam of 1990 Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Unbridled brought $1.35 million, second high price of the day.