Champagne Bid Gains Fifth Turf Course Win of Santa Anita Meet

Champagne Bid won for the fifth time during the current meeting on Santa Anita’s Hillside turf course when he prevailed in a three-horse driving finish of the $97,150 San Simeon Handicap Saturday.

Ridden by Ray Sibille, Champagne Bid was a head in front of the fast-closing Forzando, ridden by Fernando Toro, with Smart And Sharp a nose farther back under Rick Dominguez.

Clocked in 1:13 3/5 for about 6 1/2 furlongs, Champagne Bid earned $52,150.

Sent off the second betting choice, Champagne Bid, carrying 121 pounds, paid $6.60, $3.40 and $2.80; Forzando returned $3.60 and $3, and Smart And Sharp paid $4.60 to show.