Queen of the Catsle is "Queen of the Hill"

Santa Anita's hillside turf course, that is! Yesterday, she skimmed down the course, guided by jockey Mike Smith, to win the Sen. Ken Maddy Handicap at Oak Tree -- her first graded stakes win. She won by a length over the speedy La Tee and Northern California invader Victorina. It marked Queen's fifth win in 12 starts (of which 5 are second-place finishes) -- the most recent being a one-length win in a division of the Daisycutter Handicap on Del Mar's closing day.

"Queen" is owned by C.T. Grether, Inc., the family of a much-loved and admired friend of mine, Tom Grether, who passed away last year. Tom loved horse racing, loved life, never had a mean word to say about anyone, and got so much joy from his horses. He would have been so proud of Queen. So I just want to say, congratuations, Tom!

What's next for Queen of the Catsle? According to trainer, Howard Zucker, maybe the Monrovia Hcp. at the beginning of Santa Anita's Winer-Spring meet. He'd like to keep her sprinting down the hill. She will certainly be one to watch.