by Tom Musgrave

Caught on the rail heading into the stretch, Spring House was angled to the outside by jockey Garrett Gomez in upper stretch and wore down two opponents to prevail in the $150,000 San Luis Obispo Handicap (G2) on Saturday at Santa Anita Park.

Winning trainer Julio Canani, who has trained the six-year-old Chester House gelding for owner R. D. Hubbard since last June, said Spring House likely will make his next start in Dubai in either the $5-million Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-G1) or the Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) on March 29 at Nad al Sheba racecourse.

"I hope to know something in about a week," Canani said.

Gomez rated 1.70-to-1 favorite Spring House comfortably near the back of the eight-horse field while Sohgol (Ire) took the early lead, chased by Porfido (Chi) through a half-mile in :47.33, six furlongs in 1:12.59, and one mile in 1:37.58.

Boxed  in heading into the turn, Spring House responded when Gomez angled him three wide as the field moved into the lane. With only Porfido and Sohgol in front of him, Gomez gave Spring House a few taps, and the gelding took off down the stretch, sailing to a 2 1/4-length victory in 2:27.21 on firm turf.

Church Service rallied from eight to finish second, three-quarters of a length in front of game closer On the Acorn (GB).

"I was comfortable with where I was," Gomez said. "I thought [Porfido] would go and I was glad when [Sohgol] went with him. My horse traveled beautifully for me the whole way. My main concern was keeping him out of trouble."

Spring House improved to six wins in 30 starts and boosted his earnings to $544,284. Bred by Rio Claro Thoroughbreds, Hubbard, and Connie Sczesny, Spring House is out of the Itajara mare Spring Star (Brz).

For an Equibase chart, click here. 

Tom Musgrave is internet content editor of Thoroughbred Times