Multiple contenders pointed to this Saturday's Runhappy Santa Anita Derby (G1) had their final works on Sunday, including the top three finishers from last month's San Felipe (G2).
Practical Move, winner of the San Felipe here March 4, drilled five furlongs in 1:01.20 for trainer Tim Yakteen. Geaux Rocket Ride, who was second beaten 2 ½ lengths in the San Felipe, worked five furlongs in company with a strong gallop-out for Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella. He was timed in :59.4 by track clockers.
“We're all set,” Mandella said following the work.
Geaux Rocket Ride's effort in the San Felipe came in just his second start and first around two turns. Prior to the San Felipe, the son of Candy Ride broke his maiden by 5½ lengths going six furlongs here Jan. 29.
Skinner, who was third in the San Felipe, worked five furlongs in :59.20 under Hall of Famer Victor Espinoza for John Shirreffs.
“He was just cruising,” Espinoza said. “He's ready now.”
Skinner was last of nine after the opening quarter mile of the San Felipe. He then launched a big move on the second turn to draw into contention before flattening out in the stretch to be beaten by 3 ¾ lengths.
Also working Sunday was National Treasure, who was the morning-line favorite for the San Felipe but had to be scratched because of a bruised foot. He has not started since a third in the Sham (G3) Jan. 8 at Santa Anita. The son of Quality Road worked six furlongs in 1:12.6.
Scheduled to work on Monday at around 8 a.m. (PT) is Japanese import Mandarin Hero with Kazushi Kimura in the irons. Mandarin Hero arrived at Santa Anita on Friday. After galloping one lap around the main track on Saturday, the Shanghai Bobby colt toured two circuits around the oval on Sunday. His traveling party indicated Mandarin Hero has taken well to his new surroundings.
The Santa Anita Derby is one of six stakes on tap for this Saturday. Also on the card are the Santa Anita Oaks (G2), Charles Whittingham (G2) at 1 ¼-miles on turf, Monrovia (G3) on the hillside turf course, and a pair of state-bred stakes going 6½ furlongs on the main track: the Echo Eddie for 3-year-olds and Evening Jewel for 3-year-old fillies.
Entries will be taken on Wednesday. NBC Sports will provide television coverage of the card.
The post Practical Move, Skinner Among Santa Anita Derby Hopefuls Posting Final Works Sunday, Mandarin Hero Set To Work Monday appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
