Pincay Gets Gum Home First by a Nose in San Vicente Stakes

Gum scored his third victory in four starts when he beat Yes I’m Blue by a nose in the $81,350 San Vicente Stakes for 3-year-olds Wednesday at Santa Anita.

Gum, a grandson of Gummo, was ridden by Laffit Pincay and covered the 7 furlongs in 1:22 2/5. Gum and Yes I’m Blue fought the whole way, with Gum saving ground along the rail through the stretch.

Roman Avie was another 3 1/2 lengths back in third while the favorite, Sitting Appeal, finished fifth in the field of 7.

The first 3 finishers are nominated to the $500,000 Santa Anita Derby April 8.

The California-bred Gum, fourth choice of the crowd of 16,390, paid $20.60, $9.40 and $6, and earned $47,600 for the Hat Ranch. Gum is trained by Mel Stute.

Yes I’m Blue, with Fernando Valenzuela aboard, paid $5.60 and $3.80. Roman Avie, ridden by Gary Stevens, paid $4.80.

Eddie Delahoussaye rode 4 winners to tie Valenzuela for third in the riding standings with 25 victories apiece. Delahoussaye won with Aranjuez ($34.60) in the first race, Teddy Bear Picnic ($3.80) in the fourth, Dance For Lee ($5.80) in the fifth and Exodus From Rome ($10.20) in the ninth.