2014 Emerald Downs horse of the meet and Longacres Mile (G3) winner Stryker Phd made his second 2014 start outside of Washington for owners Mona and Jim Hour and trainer Larry Ross in the November 30 $100,000 Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate Fields.
The 122-pound race highweight, Stryker Phd, again with Leslie Mawing in the saddle, finished third in the Grade 3 race, beaten 2 1/4 lengths by Pepper Crown and Jerry Hollendorfer and Dr. George Todaro’s G. G. Ryder, by Chhaya Dance, in the 1 1/16-mile race.
Bred by Char Clark Thoroughbreds and Todd Havens, both of Spokane, he had been purchased by the Hours at the 2009 WTBOA Sale. Stryker Phd, a five-year-old gelded son of Bertrando-Striking Scholar, by Smart Strike, improved his record to 5-5-5 in 18 starts, which is highlighted by his 3-1-1 from five 2014 outings, and has now earned $320,621.
