Got Even still effective at 8

ARCADIA, Calif. – Got Even is the kind of horse who seems like he belongs in Bill Spawr’s barn because for as long as Spawr has been training, he has excelled with keeping oldtimers going, and that has been particularly in evidence at this meet here at Santa Anita, as the veteran trainer has been winning at better than 35 percent.

Got Even will attempt to increase that already-lofty strike rate on Friday, when he makes his third start of the meet at the track where he has had his most success in the day’s featured sixth race, a second-level optional $62,500 claimer going one mile. Spawr may have telegraphed just how well Got Even is doing because the 8-year-old gelding is being protected by using his secondlevel allowance condition

rather than being dangled for a $62,500 claiming price.

“I love these old pros,” Spawr said. “This horse has a great attitude. If you keep him fresh, he’s a handful. We don’t train him real hard, but when we get closer to a race, we let him gallop at his own speed – which is fast. He’s set on go.

“He’s a trier. You’ve got to beat him. He doesn’t know he’s 8 years old.”

Got Even will be making his 53rd start in a career in which he has earned more than $555,000. He’s seeking his third win in his last five starts. He is 6 for 29 on Santa Anita’s main track.

Peter Miller, who had great success with Got Even before Spawr claimed him 14 months ago, will try to beat his old trainee with River Echo, who beat a first-level allowance field last month, and Texas Two Step, a stretch-out sprinter who figures to take up the early running. Hoffenheim, gelded since his last start, and the comebacking Whiskey Ticket also figure prominently.

RACE 6 KEY CONTENDERS

Got Even, by Stephen Got Even Last 3 Beyers: 94-88-84

◗ He finished second in a similar spot last time out, three-quarters of a length in front of Hoffenheim.

River Echo, by Equiano Last 3 Beyers: 95-80-76

◗ He’s bred to be a grass runner and had raced on turf for the first eight starts of his career, but he may have found a home on dirt, as his victory in his West Coast debut here on Jan. 28 was the best race of his career.

Hoffenheim, by Midnight Lute Last 3 Beyers: 93-84-80

◗ He finished third in a similar spot last time in his first start for trainer Doug O’Neill and should have more pace into which to run owing to the presence of Texas Two Step.

Whiskey Ticket, by Ghostzapper Last 3 Beyers: 83-94-75

◗ His oft-interrupted career includes a victory in the Illinois Derby in only his second start in April 2015. This is only his third start since then, and his first in exactly 11 months, but he has been in regular training and should be fit, as he’s frequently a workmate for some of the best horses in trainer Bob Baffert’s barn.