March, 2021 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Baltas Savors Idol’s Big ‘Cap Triumph: ‘A Race You Dream About Winning’

Richard Baltas joined a long list of training luminaries who have won the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap when Idol stormed from behind to win Saturday's Big 'Cap by a half-length under Joel Rosario at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif.

Now the late-running son of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin is eligible for the inaugural “Wild West Bonus” of $1 million which goes to a horse winning the Big 'Cap, the Hollywood Gold Cup (at Santa Anita on May 31) and the TVG Pacific Classic (at Del Mar on Aug. 31).

All three races are at the classic American distance of a mile and a quarter.

“He came out of the race in good order,” the 59-year-old trainer said Sunday morning. “Of course, we're going to definitely look at it, although the Gold Cup is a long way off. I'm just happy he came out of the race very, very good.

“I knew he wanted all of a mile and a quarter, and the jockey made a bit of a difference, too. But a mile and a quarter is always what the horse wanted. He's just a big, long-striding horse.

“We needed all of Rosario's power in the stretch to get him home. It was a great win, a race you dream about winning. I've been coming to Santa Anita since I was 13 years old.

“Before I even became a trainer, I saw all the greats run in the Big 'Cap and you never think you're gonna be here, but you keep working hard and God blesses you.”

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‘Still Green’ Life Is Good Exits San Felipe Romp In Good Order

Life Is Good: unbeaten, unchallenged, undaunted.

The $525,000 son of Into Mischief posted his third straight victory Saturday in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif., breaking like a shot from his inside post position and rolling to an eight-length triumph despite meandering through the stretch.

Next up: the G1 Runhappy Santa Anita Derby April 3.

“He came out of the race really well,” Bob Baffert said Sunday morning. “We're looking at staying home for the Santa Anita Derby.”

Mike Smith, who has ridden Life Is Good in each of his three races, attributed the bay colt's drifting through the lane to ogling at the track's infield screen.

“When the screen is lit up, they can see it,” Smith said after the race. “In the mornings, he goes by the screen like it's nothing because it's not on. He was locked on it down the lane today. He's so talented. I had a strong hold on him down to the wire, just holding onto him, making sure that he stayed straight.”

But Baffert, who added to his record of seven San Felipe victories, was unconcerned about the colt's sightseeing antics and wasn't contemplating any equipment changes.

“He's still green,” Baffert said matter-of-factly. “Remember Authentic did all that weaving one race … they're still babies. They're still immature. The main thing is he came out of it really well. We saw a lot of raw talent yesterday.”

Baffert trainee Medina Spirit, purchased for 15 times less than Life Is Good ($35,000), ran a game second in the San Felipe under John Velazquez, who won the Kentucky Derby for Baffert last year on Authentic, eventual Horse of the Year.

“He's a good horse and we needed to run first or second (with him) to continue on (the Triple Crown trail),” Baffert said.

“He'll either run here (in the Runhappy Santa Anita Derby) or the Arkansas Derby April 10). I'm not sure yet.”

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Purina, Seminole Feed Join Gulfstream, Florida HBPA As Canter For The Cause Co-Sponsors

Purina and Seminole Feed have joined Gulfstream Park and the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA) as a sponsor for Canter for the Cause, a unique event that will allow equine owners and enthusiasts to walk, trot or canter their horse across legendary Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla., on Monday, March 15.

“We are proud to support Gulfstream Park and the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association with Canter for the Cause,” said Sheila Conde, South Florida Equine Specialist of Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. “The programs are necessary, and the horses bring so much value to the equine industry in all disciplines. Thank you to Gulfstream Park for hosting the event. The riders and participants had a wonderful time in 2019 during the first event.”

Sherri Boland, Equine Nutritional Consultant with Seminole Feed, said: “We are so proud and honored to be invited to sponsor a charity that is near and dear to our heart. Seminole feed has a long history of supporting the Thoroughbred racing industry in Florida since 1934, and now throughout the country. What better way to give back to this cause than to help raise awareness to the rehoming and retraining of these magnificent athletes.”

Canter for the Cause participants will choose from three groups (walk, trot, canter) when registering. All participants will have a chance to have their pictures taken in the winner's circle by Gulfstream Park. All riders must wear helmets, proper boots or shoes, and face coverings. All horses must have a valid and current Coggins to show at registration. Temperature checks will be taken upon entrance.

Registration is $50. All proceeds from the event will go to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding.

Participants will need to register by 10 a.m. the day of Canter for the Cause. The first group will go out at 11 a.m.

To register and pay by credit card, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/canter-for-the-cause-tickets-140415286903

For more information go to: https://gulfstreampark.com/events-and-entertainment/event-calendar/details/2021/03/15/default-calendar/canter-for-the-cause or call Nikki Bernstein at 954.817.1441.

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Jesus’ Team Breezes In Preparation For Dubai World Cup; Rosario To Ride

Grupo 7C Racing Stable's Jesus' Team breezed six furlongs at Palm Meadows Training Center on Saturday morning, three weeks before the son of Tapiture is scheduled to run in the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G3).

“He went perfect, just like I wanted,” trainer Jose D'Angelo said. “He was spectacular on the gallop-out, faster than he finished. I think we're going to have a great trip to Dubai with him.”

Jesus' Team was timed in 1:14.45 for his third breeze at Gulfstream Park's satellite training center in Palm Beach County since finishing second behind Knicks Go in the $3 million Pegasus World Cup (G1) Jan. 23 at Gulfstream.

“He'll have one more work, an easy seven furlongs next week,” D'Angelo said. “This morning, I liked what I saw.”

Joel Rosario will have the mount aboard the multiple Grade 1 stakes-placed 4-year-old in the March 27 Dubai World Cup.

“I'm very happy to have Joel ride Jesus' Team,” D'Angelo said. “Joel is a great rider.”

Jesus' Team, who broke his maiden for a $32,000 claiming price in his first start for D'Angelo at Gulfstream last March, has been stakes-placed in his last six starts, including a third-place finish in the Oct. 3 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico and second-place finishes behind Knicks Go in both the Nov. 7 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) at Keeneland and the Pegasus World Cup.

Jesus' Team is scheduled to leave Gulfstream for Dubai March 16, while his trainer plans to leave the day before.

“I want to be there when he gets there,” D'Angelo said.

At Gulfstream Park Saturday morning, 2020 Preakness (G1) winner Swiss Skydiver produced at 'bullet' five-furlong workout in preparation for her 2021 debut. The Kenny McPeek-trained 2020 Gulfstream Park Oaks (G1) winner was timed in 58.09 seconds, the fastest clocking of 39 at the distance.

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