Santa Anita, dirt; 1 mile; $100K; 10 Derby points to the winner
One heckuv a field for a prelim to the prelims with 7 horses each capable of a win.
Led by Shirreffs #5 Gormley (8-5 ML) and Baffert’s #1 American Anthem (9-5), the winner is likely to come from the speed of the speed…..of the speed ….with just about every one of the boys capable of a collecting the major check.
Not sure that will happen as the pace looks to be a quick one.
#1 American Anthem……Son of electric Bodemeister, a front running monster, American Anthem did it all from an outside post (#11) drawing in, stalking, then pouncing for the win in the 6F affair tallying an 86 Beyer. With all of the upfront speed in this, I expect the same type of tactic today. Mike Smith, a come-from-behind maestro, rides for Baffert.
#2 Term of Art….A nice Tiznow colt who is 5/2-1-1 in his career for Doug O’Neill, while, perhaps, a step behind some of these, could find life in the stretch if this breaks down up front. Don’t dismiss for at least a piece. Talamo rides at 5-1 ML.
#3 Bird is the Word….Easy to dismiss at 20-1, he’s done OK work to date, but doesn’t appear to rate with these. Trainer Almeida might not be in the team photo with other SoCal trainers, but he is capable. The X factor for me is that the Birdstone colt gets Kent D, and that could make the difference for a few shekels.
#4 Colonel Samsen….Any time Eoin Hardy puts one in a spot like this in California, I take note. Some real talent here out of the great Colonel John and a Skip Away mare, the lad is 6/2-1-1 so far and comes in on a two race win streak. Take note: First time on the dirt as he’s been all poly and grass. Breeding says he can handle it. Working well on the dirt and a juicy 12-1 and worth a big-look-see for shocking upset or solid piece. Semi-Hot jock Prat handles the chores.
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