3/1/2025
9 SA San Felipe Stakes (GII) [KYD]
$300.000 11/16thMile Dirt 3yo 122lbs
La Canada Racehorses had a good weekend… no, scratch that, they had a GREAT weekend! Taking the Gotham Mile (GIII) would have been enough for most trainers, but not for this wily vet… nope, let’s just go across the country and nail down the San Felipe Stakes (GII) as well, with Zions Bet, sent off at nearly 15/1 odds, getting home by a neck in another race that used more Kodak film that a Paris Hilton “moment” – can you be last in a field of twelve, only beaten four lengths? Back to the winner, as the bay gelded son of Zionist – Missa Bet, by Worst Case Scenario, bred in Cal by his owner, was under pressure throughout this mile and a sixteenth test, but turned away all challengers, getting home in 1:41.49 and earning the bulk of the purse money and the valuable KYD points.
Grit and Grind was forwardly placed throughout and gave the winner all he wanted, while securing the second spot for Mb Stables, another that had a solid weekend in the TC Trail races. That’s three consecutive runner-up finishes for this one, and you know he’s sitting on a win, so keep him in your eyesight at next asking.
Sincere Breeze, a lightly raced gelding for the Asgar group, showed a ton of heart in only his third trip to the gate, grabbing the show money, so he’s another you can keep an eye on because he should only get better as he pushes forwards.
Boss Spearman from the Wood Duck Stables was a neck back in fourth, as the post time favorite, and continues to impress with his late turn of foot. This time, he was next to last seven lengths back, encountered traffic issues, only to grab the minor share, beaten a half-length. How good could this one be when the distances get longer and a clean trip? He was quite a deal at the $150.000 private purchase price.
Zions Bet Holds On In San Felipe
Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES, TC 2025, THE TRIPLE CROWN