Tag: santa anita

Maximum Security Faces Stablemate Improbable, Shirreffs-Trained Midcourt In Awesome Again

Unbeaten in two starts for Bob Baffert, Gary and Mary West's homebred Maximum Security, roundly regarded as the best in training today, heads a field of field of five 3-year-olds and up going a mile and one eighth in Saturday's Grade I, $300,000 Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita.

A two-time stakes winner at Del Mar this past summer, Maximum Security comes off a huge three length win in the Grade I Pacific Classic on Aug. 22 and will once again be a prohibitive favorite in what will be his 13th career start.

Baffert's Improbable, a Grade I winner of the Whitney Stakes at Saratoga Aug. 1, earned a career-best Beyer Speed figure of 106 and will be bidding for his third consecutive win.

The John Shirreffs-trained Midcourt, who was beaten a nose by Maximum Security two starts back in the San Diego Handicap, was a well beaten third behind “Max” in the Pacific Classic and will be facing him for the third consecutive time on Saturday.

The Awesome Again, named for the 1998 Breeders' Cup Classic winner that was bred in Ontario, Canada by Frank Stronach and owned by his Stronach Stables, is a Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” Challenge Race qualifier, with the winner earning a fees-paid berth into the Grade I, $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland on Nov. 7.

MAXIMUM SECURITY

Owner: Gary & Mary West, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor & Derrick Smith

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Immensely talented but star-crossed, this 4-year-old colt by New Year's Day appears to be thriving in Baffert's care. Ridden in his two Del Mar starts by Abel Cedillo, he'll be reunited with eastern-based Luis Saez, who has finished first on him in six out of seven starts, most recently in Saudi Arabia, where he took the $20 million Saudi Cup by three quarters of a length. Although the Saudi Cup results remain official, Maximum Security's purse earnings remain on-hold as an investigation into his original trainer Jason Servis continues. Adding to his hard-luck resume is the fact he became the only Kentucky Derby winner to ever be disqualified for a racing infraction in the 2019 Derby, a race he won by 1 ¾ lengths with Saez aboard. An official winner of 10 out of his 12 starts, Maximum Security has banked $12.1 million and will be making his first-ever start at Santa Anita.

IMPROBABLE

Owner: WinStar Farm, LLC, China Horse Club Intl., Ltd and SF Racing, LLC

Trainer: Bob Baffert

The 4-1 post time favorite in the 2019 Kentucky Derby, he finished fifth, beaten 3 ¼ lengths by Maximum Security. A winner two starts back of the Grade I Hollywood Gold Cup, run at Santa Anita on June 6, he'll be reunited with Drayden Van Dyke, who did not ride him at Saratoga. Van Dyke has won aboard Improbable in five out their seven pairings, including his Gold Cup win. A winner of six out of his 13 starts, Improbable, a 4-year-old colt by City Zip, has earnings of $1.5 million.

MIDCOURT

Owner: C R K Stable, LLC

Trainer: John Shirreffs

Although narrowly beaten two starts back in the San Diego Handicap, this 5-year-old gelding by Midnight Lute was no match for Maximum Security in the Pacific Classic when third. A shining testament to Shirreffs' horsemanship, Midcourt has been able to overcome his idiosyncrasies, including bad manners in post parade. If his mind is right, he rates an upset chance over a track on which he is 8-3-1-2.

THE GRADE I AWESOME AGAIN STAKES WITH JOCKEYS & WEIGHTS IN POST POSITION ORDER

Race 10 of 11 Approximate post time 5 p.m. PT

  1. Take the One O One—Jose Valdivia, Jr.—122
  2. Improbable—Drayden Van Dyke—126
  3. Sleepy Eyes Todd—Umberto Rispoli—124
  4. Midcourt—Victor Espinoza—124
  5. Maximum Security—Luis Saez—126

First post time for an 11-race card on Saturday is at 12:30 p.m. With no public admittance, fans are encouraged to follow Santa Anita's live video stream at santaanita.com.

The post Maximum Security Faces Stablemate Improbable, Shirreffs-Trained Midcourt In Awesome Again appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Million-Dollar Spielberg Looms Large In American Pharoah Stakes

A gutty runner-up in two summertime starts, Bob Baffert's highly regarded Spielberg looms the horse to beat in Saturday's Grade 1, $300,000 American Pharoah Stakes at Santa Anita. For 2-year-olds at a mile and one sixteenth, the American Pharoah has attracted a field of eight.

Most recently second, beaten 1 ¾ lengths in the Grade I Del Mar Futurity going seven furlongs on Sept. 7, Spielberg, a $1 million Keeneland September Yearling, will try two turns for the first time and be ridden for the first time by eastern-based Luis Saez.

Third in the Del Mar Futurity, trainer Ryan Hanson's Weston, a Grade II winner going six furlongs in his second start, retains the services of Drayden Van Dyke, while trainer Rafael Becerra's Touchdown Brown, who owns the best last-out Beyer Speed figure in the field, is a California-bred facing open company for the first time.

The American Pharoah, named for Baffert's 2015 Triple Crown winner, is a Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” Challenge Race qualifier to the Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile on Nov. 6 at Keeneland.

SPIELBERG

Owner: SF Racing, LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, LLC, et al

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Second twice to Del Mar Futurity winner Dr. Schivel, Spielberg dug in gamely late while clearly second best. In what will be his third start, he'll try to provide Baffert with his record 10th American Pharoah victory.

WESTON

Owner: Chris Drakos & Ryan Hanson

Trainer: Ryan Hanson

Ridden in all three of his starts by Drayden Van Dyke, this bargain $7,000 Keeneland September Yearling showed brilliant speed in his June 21 debut here, winning by 1 ¼ lengths going 4 ½ furlongs. From there, he fought gamely to prevail by a neck in the Grade II Best Pal Stakes going six furlongs at Del Mar on Aug. 8 and was subsequently third, beaten 5 ½ lengths in the Del Mar Futurity after vying head and head for the early lead. Trained and co-owned by Ryan Hanson, who is married to Santa Anita simulcast television personality Michelle Yu, Weston is battle-tested and retains the services of Van Dyke.

TOUCHDOWN BROWN

Owner: Edward Brown, Jr., Alan Klein & Phillip Lebherz

Trainer: Rafael Becerra

The lone California-bred in the lineup, this colt by Cairo Prince was ultra impressive in his 4 ½ furlong debut on June 19, winning by 5 ½ lengths as the 3-2 favorite. Away awkwardly in the 5 ½ furlong Graduation Stakes on Aug. 2, he never got untracked and finished last, beaten 5 ½ lengths in a field of seven. Ridden for the first time by upstart Juan Hernandez in the six furlong I'm Smokin Stakes Sept. 4, Touchdown Brown was second, beaten a half length in a resolute effort that provided him with a lofty 75 Beyer Speed figure. With Hernandez back aboard, he looms dangerous going two turns in his fourth career start.

THE GRADE I AMERICAN PHAROAH STAKES WITH JOCKEYS & WEIGHTS IN POST POSITION ORDER

Race 8 of 11 Approximate post time 4 p.m. PT

  1. Touchdown Brown—Juan Hernandez—122
  2. Rombauer—Mike Smith—122
  3. Dyn O Mite—Victor Espinoza—122
  4. Notable Exception—Abel Cedillo—122
  5. Spielberg—Luis Saez—122
  6. Get Her Number—Flavien Prat—122
  7. Weston—Drayden Van Dyke—122
  8. Waspirant—Umberto Rispoli—122

First post time for an 11-race card on Saturday is at 12:30 p.m. Although there is no public admittance, Santa Anita's livestream video is free of charge at santaanita.com.

The post Million-Dollar Spielberg Looms Large In American Pharoah Stakes appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Unbeaten Princess Noor Towers Over Competition In Chandelier

With three out of the five runners in Saturday's Grade 2, $200,000 Chandelier Stakes at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif., Bob Baffert would appear to “have 'em surrounded” indeed, as his budding starlet Princess Noor fairly towers over her competitors, based upon two impressive tallies at Del Mar over the summer.

To be run for the 52nd time and won by Baffert a record 11 times, the Chandelier will be contested at a mile and one sixteenth.

Baffert will also be represented by Illumination, who was third, beaten 8 3/4 lengths by Princess Noor in the G1 Del Mar Debutante and by Varda, who was a speedy first out maiden winner going six furlongs on Aug. 30.

Trainer Mark Casse will be represented by two-time Saratoga graded stakes placed filly Make Mischief, a New York-bred daughter of red hot sire Into Mischief, who will try two turns for the first time in her fifth career start.

The Chandelier is a Breeders' Cup “Win & You're In” Challenge Race qualifier, with the winner earning a fees-paid berth into the G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Keeneland on Nov. 6.

PRINCESS NOOR
Owner:  Zedan Racing Stables, Inc.
Trainer:  Bob Baffert

A $1,350,000 Florida 2-year-old in training sale purchase in April, she's done little wrong in two starts, taking her 5 1/2-furlong debut by 2 1/2 lengths at 3-5 on Aug. 22 and crushing five rivals by 6 1/2 lengths at 3-5 in the G1 Del Mar Debutante going seven furlongs on Sept. 6.  With Baffert sending in the plays in the morning and afternoon, regular rider Victor Espinoza would appear to be first and goal with plenty of time left aboard Princess Noor on Saturday.

GRADE II CHANDELIER STAKES WITH JOCKEYS & WEIGHTS IN POST POSITION ORDER
Race 3 of 11  Approximate post time 1:30 p.m. PT

  1. Princess Noor—Victor Espinoza—122
  2. Make Mischief—Abel Cedillo—122
  3. Varda—Drayden Van Dyke—122
  4. Illumination—Luis Saez—122
  5. Miss Costa Rica—Flavien Prat—122First post time for an 11-race card on Saturday is at 12:30 p.m. Although there is no public admittance, fans can follow a live video stream, free of charge, at santaanita.com

The post Unbeaten Princess Noor Towers Over Competition In Chandelier appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Lady Prancealot, Bodhicitta Give Baltas Strong Hand In Rodeo Drive Stakes

Blessed with a pair of talented turf distaffers, trainer Richard Baltas has a big look at Saturday's Grade 1 Rodeo Drive Stakes at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif., as his Lady Prancealot, a fast-closing second in her most recent start, has solid distance credentials, while his Bodhicitta is in top form although distance may be a question.

For fillies and mares three and up going a mile and one quarter on turf, Saturday's $300,000 Rodeo Drive Stakes has attracted a competitive field of seven fillies and mares.

A winner of the G1 American Oaks in her only try at the Rodeo Drive distance five starts back on Dec. 28, Lady Prancealot, a 4-year-old Irish-bred filly, is winless in four graded stakes this year, but she flew late to be beaten a diminishing neck at a mile and one eighth on turf Sept. 5 and merits top billing.

With Umberto Rispoli back aboard Lady Prancealot and Flavien Prat with Bodhicitta, these two ultra-talented reinsmen will most certainly renew their rivalry that resulted in Prat taking a 50-49 photo finish for leading rider honors at the recently concluded Del Mar meeting.

The Rodeo Drive is a Breeders' Cup “Win & You're In” Breeders' Cup Challenge Race qualifier, with the winner to receive a fees-paid berth into the G1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland on Nov. 7.

LADY PRANCEALOT
Owner:  Jerry McClanahan, Michael Iavarone, Parkland Thoughbreds, et al
Trainer:  Richard Baltas

A winner of three graded stakes in 16 stateside starts for Baltas, she has been close in nearly all of her races while amassing earnings of $604,841 from an overall mark of 21-5-5-3.  With turf master Rispoli back aboard, look for Irish-bred Lady Prancealot to be on the move the final eighth of a mile.

BODHICITTA
Owner:  Calvin Nguyen
Trainer:  Richard Baltas

A game nose winner of the G2 Yellow Ribbon Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on turf Aug. 8, this 4-year-old English-bred filly has won three out of her last four starts, all with Prat aboard.  Second, beaten 1 ¼ lengths in the G1 Gamely Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf two starts back, she'll try a mile and one quarter for the first time in what will be her 16th career start.  With four wins, as many seconds and one third place finish, she has earnings of $265,808.

MAXIM RATE
Owner:  Slam Dunk Racing & James D. Branham
Trainer:  Simon Callaghan

A winner of two consecutive turf routes at Del Mar, the most recent a neck victory in the CTT & TOC Stakes at 1 3/8 miles on Aug. 16, she brings a solid recent record to the Rodeo Drive party but she'll be facing tougher.  Ridden by Rispoli in her last two starts, she'll get the services of eastern-based Luis Saez, as Rispoli appears to have opted for Lady Prancealot.  A G3 winner going a mile on turf at age three, her mile and three eighths win on Aug. 16 lends added encouragement at the Rodeo Drive distance.

GRADE I RODEO DRIVE STAKES WITH JOCKEYS & WEIGHTS IN POST POSITION ORDER
Race 7 of 11 Approximate post time 3:30 p.m. PT
1. Tonahutu—Abel Cedillo—122
2. Maxim Rate—Luis Saez—122
3. Bodhicitta—Flavien Prat—124
4. Mucho Unusual—Juan Hernandez—122
5. Pretty Point—Mike Smith—122
6. Lady Prancealot—Umberto Rispoli—126
7. Catch the Eye—Victor Espinoza—122
First post time for an 11-race card on Saturday is at 12:30 p.m. Although there is no public admittance, fans can follow a live video stream, free of charge, at santaanita.com

The post Lady Prancealot, Bodhicitta Give Baltas Strong Hand In Rodeo Drive Stakes appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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