Clover Hunter Wins

Clover Hunter sped over a sloppy track and drew away in the stretch to win the $200,000 Golden Gate Derby at Albany, Calif., taking a major step toward a Triple Crown campaign.

Ridden by Russell Baze, the 3-year-old Clover Hunter beat runner-up Mantles Star by 6-1/2 lengths. Allen’s Oop finished third.

Nominated for the Triple Crown races two days ago, Clover Hunter came away with the $120,000 first prize for owners Sidney Craig and Ted Aroney and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.

Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Silver Charm returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in eight months Saturday, when he won the San Fernando Breeders’ Cup Stakes at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif., by one length over Mud Route.