Clever Clover became the first winner for first-crop sire Rumpus Cat in taking a Nov. 12 maiden race at Golden Gate Fields.
After breaking a step slowly, Clever Clover set a contested pace under Epifanio Garcia, opened up a two-length lead in midstretch, and lasted by a head. The winner, a 2-year-old gelding, raced 5 1/2 furlongs on Tapeta in 1:04.49. He paid $7.40 to win.
His victory followed a runner-up finish in his only other start Oct. 29 at Golden Gate. He has earnings of $31,200.
Victor Trujillo trains Clever Clover for owners Norman Tavares and Daehling Farms. Daehling Farms bred Clever Clover in California out of the Peppered Cat mare Paprika Red.
Rumpus Cat, an 8-year-old son of Street Sense, raced for Tavares and Trujillo, recording a 2-3-0 record in 14 starts with earnings of $82,950. He is out of the Storm Cat mare Sweet Catomine, who was crowned champion 2-year-old filly in 2004 after capturing the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), Del Mar Debutante Stakes (G1), and Oak Leaf Stakes (G2). At 3, she won the Santa Anita Oaks (G1) and Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3).
Rumpus Cat entered stud in 2020 at Daehling Ranch in California. He stood last year for an advertised fee of $2,500. He has three other starters, one of which (Tap a Cold One) is placed.
