Multiple contenders pointed to Saturday's GI Runhappy Santa Anita Derby had their final works Sunday including the top three finishers from last month's GII San Felipe S.
Practical Move (Practical Joke), winner of the San Felipe March 4, drilled five furlongs in 1:01.20 for trainer Tim Yakteen. Geaux Rocket Ride (Candy Ride {Arg}), who was second the San Felipe, worked five furlongs in company in :59.4 for Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella.
“We're all set,” Mandella said following the work.
Skinner (Curlin), who was third in the San Felipe, worked five furlongs in :59.2 seconds under Hall of Famer Victor Espinoza for John Shirreffs.
“He was just cruising,” Espinoza said. “He's ready now.”
Also working Sunday was National Treasure (Quality Road), scratched as the morning-line favorite for the San Felipe, who went six furlongs in 1:12.6.
Japanese import Mandarin Hero (Shanghai Bobby) will work for the first time Monday with Kazushi Kimura in the irons. Mandarin Hero arrived at Santa Anita on Friday and his traveling party indicated he has taken well to his new surroundings.
Saturday's GII Santa Anita Oaks could have up to a field of eight including Faiza (Girvin) and And Tell Me Nolies (Arrogate), the top-two finishers in the GIII Santa Ysabel March 5.
Faiza completed her final preparations on Saturday with a six-furlong work in 1:12.60 for trainer Bob Baffert while And Tell Me Nolies also had her final tune-up on Saturday with a five-furlong work in 1:01.80.
Clearly Unhinged (Bernardini), a front-running 3 1/4-length maiden winner Feb. 5, worked a bullet on Saturday when going five furlongs in :59.60 seconds for the Oaks. It was the fastest of 53 moves at the distance.
Princess Bettina (Will Take Charge) is also targeting the Oaks with an easy half mile move in :49.20 seconds.
The post Santa Anita Derby Contenders Have Final Works appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.
