San Juan Capistrano

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

ALL THE BOYS (Foreign Survivor) did not beat one horse in last year’s grassy San
Juan Capistrano Invitational H. (G2) at Santa Anita and continued in that same
form into the summer until being put on the shelf in late June. The bay gelding
returned on December 26 in a claiming event and led from gate to wire. In his
next race, another claiming test, he scored by three parts of a length after
being headed in the stretch and found himself with a new trainer in Jeff
Mullins.

All the Boys has found new life as an eight-year-old and, under Mullins’
tutelage, posted a nine-length victory in an optional-claiming event two back
before capturing an allowance by two lengths last out. For his past three
starts, he has earned century-topping BRIS Speed ratings as well and could lead
Saturday’s nine-horse field in this year’s edition of the 1 3/4-mile San Juan
Capistrano all the way home. Michael Baze has the call.

STANLEY PARK (Swain [Ire]) provided a mild surprise in the San Luis Rey H.
(G2) last out, taking the 12-furlong test by a length at 7-1. The John
Shirreffs-trained five-year-earned a 104 Speed figure, the highest of his
career, for the win. He also owns some nice BRIS Late Pace numbers, indicating
he could use the 14-furlong marathon distance of the San Juan to his advantage
and come with a late run in the stretch. The chestnut five-year-old will have
Jose Valdivia Jr. in the saddle and the pair might take top honors.

T. H. APPROVAL (With Approval) earned his last win while making his final
start as a three-year-old, then returned this year to make the rounds in the
“San” stakes at Santa Anita. He ran third in the San Marcos S. (G2), filled that
same position in the San Luis Obispo H. (G2) and was only 2 1/2 lengths back in
fourth in the San Luis Rey last out, where he earned a 101 Speed rating. He
could improve here to challenge for it all under Rene Douglas.

SPECIAL MATTER (River Special) has not done well in his past few starts, but
the Rafael Becerra trainee loves the track (14-4-2-0) and is another one who
could come with a late rally to challenge in the stretch. The bay seven-year-old
will probably go off at pretty long odds and could surprise in the exotics here
with a nice price.

GENE DE CAMPEAO (Brz) (Khatango) ran eighth in this event last year, but
isn’t facing as tough competition as he did 12 months ago. The bay six-year-old’s
best effort could earn him a place in the top three. EXTERIOR (Distant View)
made his U.S. debut last out while also making his 2005 bow. The Bobby
Frankel-trained four-year-old captured that 1 1/8-mile allowance by a
half-length and might show up in the gimmicks.

FITZ FLAG (Arg) (Flag Down) finished a good seventh in his U.S. bow two back,
then returned to finish a close second in an allowance on March 26. The
five-year-old will probably try to use Saturday’s added distance to improve on
that position, but may find this bunch too much at this time. MONDEVILLE (Fr)
(Octagonal) has captured his past three by wide margins but is taking a large
class jump here. We can’t recommend. LINEOUT (NZ) (Jahafil [GB]) looks
overmatched in this spot.