- San Luis Rey Stakes- Grade II
- Santa Anita Park Race #6- 1 1/2 Miles Turf Graded Stakes
- Purse $200.000 For Four Year Olds and upward
Since its inception here at HRP back in 2006 when a then five year old Little Slick ( Jerry Garcia Racing ) set the bar, a host of competitors have come to the westcoast to try and claim this event. The event record would be set two seasons later by Perpetual Motion ( Spongebob ) with a stellar time of 2.22:34, a record that still stands to today.
For last years Grade I BC Turf winner Early Retirement Bl. g.4( Mb Stables ), he will have to overcome what no other BC Turf winner in previous seasons was able to accomplish. Tried And True failed in 06, Premier Khana in 2012, and Admiral Aces in 2017, all finishing below the mark here. Mb Stables can only hope that he is able to come out of this event Loookin Goood, a grey thoroughbred he won this event with back in 2013.
Here’s a closer look at the rest of the competitors;
Early Retirement ( Mb Stables ) Jockey: Roman E A – Finished up last season with three Grade I victories, opening the year with a dismal finish in the Grade I Pegasus, but throw that one out with the soft surface conditions. His most recent Alw50 race in February at GP came up with a show purse. Deserves respect being top pick in his last four, but new rider has me wondering if he can get the job done. Don’t Discount out.
Penitentiary ( D J C Racing Stables ) Jockey: Desormeaux K J – After opening with a sprint event at FG with some early speed, Dom was quick to jump up to the Grade III FG Handicap at a mile and an eighth on the grass, and captured this one’s first Graded victory. First trip to the west for this five year old, and if he is able to show the same closing speed, will make it interesting down the stretch.
Indiana Jones ( John Henry ) Jockey: Maldonado E- Has seem to relit the spark under this five year in his last two starts. A Sawbuck purchase back in May of last season, the FG oval has paid dividends. Closed to capture an Alw45 event over a soft surface, then went gate to wire in a OpClm62.5 both in route turf events. Will need all he can muster against this group to make a dent an grab a share.
Winter Solstice ( Maxmillion Farm ) Jockey: Pereira T J – A two time Graded winner last season capturing the Gr.III Saranac, and the Gr.II Twilight. Closed out the year by missing by a head in the Gr. I HOL Derby. Trainer must be disappointed with regular rider Gutierrez going to the Fairgrounds, but with the start of spring, we may be just see a little Winter hanging around today.
Awesome Indeed ( TwinTowersRacing ) Jockey: Smith M E – Had three victories over the grass earlier in his career in sprints, and since making the return six starts ago he managed to close out last season with a victory in the Grade II Seabiscuit Hdcp. Opened this year with an attempt at the Gr. I Pegasus, but I am unsure if the soft going played a factor. Can close huge if he gets some late kick, so could show up late.
Cherokee Charlie ( Team 7 Illusions ) Jockey: Garcia Mar – Another member of this group who closed out the year with a Graded victory, capturing the Gr. III Smith Hdcp. Grabbed an outside post in his most recent Alw50 event, going to the front early and never relinquishing the lead. With speed numbers of 100 and 101 in his last two races, I like his chances. Factor.
Spanish Showboat ( Mb Stables ) Jockey : Prat F- The second entry for this trainer and elder statemen of the group at nine, he still continues to let you know he is not going away quietly. Won the Grade I Shadwell Turf over a soft going, then found that same footing in his most recent Gr. I Pegasus try coming away with the show money. Will be making his presence felt here once again.
Laffin Cruz ( Nakamura Stables ) Jockey : Espinoza V – Making a bold step here moving up to this level of competition after capturing the $100.000 El Prado Stakes at GP. Has not missed a cheque in four starts on the sod, and looking deeper, his works have been impressive. Personally I think it is going to be an uphill battle, but maybe his trainer has found the key. Outsider.
Bayou Quartier ( Invicta Group Llc ) Jockey: Franco G – Returning to defend the title, this duo of horse and jockey would like to be the first back to back winners of this event. Earned two more Grade II victories at the twelve furlong distance, but was struggling in four Grade I tries. Came up short in the Grade III Connally BC Turf finishing second in opener, but a repeat here will be bitter sweet.
Duffers Pick: 7-4-1
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
