Pacific Ocean wins James Marvin at Saratoga

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Saratoga Springs, NY (Sports Network) - Pacific Ocean, ridden by Joel Rosario, took the lead out of the gate and went on to win Friday's $100,000 James Marvin Stakes on opening day of the 2012 summer season at historic Saratoga Race Course. This is the 144th year for the track.

Pacific Ocean, trained by Rick Dutrow Jr., was sent off at 6-1 in the six horse field. Defending winner Jackson Bend was the prohibitive 4-5 favorite.

Owned by Dennis Narlinger, Pacific Ocean went to the lead when the gates opened for the seven furlong stakes. Pressing the pace was Crossbow followed by Golddigger's Boy, Caixa Eletronica, Jackson Bend with Scotus trailing.

Entering the far turn, Crossbow drew along side of the leader as Jackson Bend advanced on the outside. On the final turn Pacific Ocean had a short lead over Crossbow with Caixa Eletronica in third and Golddigger's Boy in fourth.

Coming into the stretch Pacific Ocean began to open up from the field and took command driving for the wire. The five-year-old chestnut horse raced to a 1 3/4 length victory over Golddigger's Boy.

Crossbow held on for third with Jackson Bend fourth followed by Caixa Eletronica and Scotus. Zero Rate Policy was scratched.

The time for the James Marvin was 1:22.53 on a fast track.

Pacific Ocean, a son of 2004 Horse of the Year Ghostzapper, notched his second win in his last three starts and picked up $60,000. He earned his fifth career win in eight starts for $217,199.

The five-year-old won the Vernon Underwood last November at Hollywood Park, but failed in his debut this year. He set the pace in the True North Handicap at Belmont Park last month, but faded to sixth behind Caixa Eletronica.

Pacific Ocean returned $14.20, $7.40 and $7.40. Golddigger's Boy paid $9.40 and $5.40, and Crossbow paid $6.10 to show.