Fiction Keeps Whittingham’s Turf Streak Going at Santa Anita

Bill Shoemaker rode his 990th career stakes winner Saturday when he guided Fiction to a 1-length victory over Proud Cat in the $82,850 Santa Gertrudes Handicap on the Santa Anita turf before a crowd of 37,099.

Fiction and Proud Cat were combined in the wagering with Riverbride, who finished fourth in the 1-mile test. All are trained by Charlie Whittingham, who saddled his seventh straight turf winner in a streak that started last Sunday with Rivlia in the San Luis Rey Stakes.

The entry paid $5.20, $4.20 and $2.80. Five Daddy Five, who finished two lengths behind Proud Cat, paid $6 to show.

It was the first stakes victory for Fiction, who took the lead entering the homestretch and was timed in 2:00 4/5. Fiction, under co-high weight of 118 pounds, earned $49,100 for Evergreen Farm.

Alex Solis rode four winners Saturday--Mileage Bank in the fifth, Elusive Agent in the sixth, Affordable Price in the seventh and Superb Moment in the ninth.