Mr. and Mrs. Marty Wygod’s champion two-year-old filly, SWEET CATOMINE (Storm
Cat), is the top draw for Saturday’s $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1). The
five-time stakes heroine is the 7-5 favorite on the morning line for her first
start against males. She has the opportunity to join
Winning Colors (1988), Silver Spoon (1959) and Ciencia (1939) as the only
fillies to win Santa Anita’s main event for three-year-olds. Corey Nakatani has
the mount for trainer Julio Canani, who hopes to send the once-beaten miss to
the Kentucky Derby (G1) off a winning performance.
The 1 1/8-mile event features a match up between last year’s Breeders’ Cup
two-year-old winners, Sweet Catomine and Juvenile (G1) winner WILKO (Awesome
Again). Trained by Craig Dollase, Wilko was compromised by a foot problem when
finishing fourth in his seasonal bow, the San Felipe S. (G2), but has trained
forwardly since then and will be reunited with champion rider Frankie Dettori,
who guided the European import to an upset victory at Lone Star Park.
Other top contenders include GIACOMO (Holy Bull), who will be seeking his
first stakes win following placings in the San Felipe, Sham S. and Hollywood
Futurity (G1), and DON’T GET MAD (Stephen Got Even), who enters off top three
finishes in the San Felipe and San Vicente S. (G2).
Giacomo, who is listed at 5-1 on the morning line with jockey Mike Smith,
will break from the rail. Next, in post parade order, comes Sweet Catomine;
Don’t Get Mad, Tyler Baze, 7-2; ALLRIGHT (Silver Charm), Tammi Piermarini, 30-1;
GO COYOTE JOE (Vicar), Martin Pedroza, 30-1; CUSTOMER (Silver Charm), Rene
Douglas, 30-1; GENERAL JOHN B (Sweetsouthernsaint), Jon Court, 20-1; A.P. ARROW
(A.P. Indy), Jose Valdivia Jr., 20-1; WANNAWINEMALL (Royal Anthem), Alex Solis,
15-1; BUZZARDS BAY (Marco Bay), Mark Guidry, 12-1; and Wilko,
9-2.
Sweet Catomine carries 117 pounds, the rest 122. Customer and Allright will
be coupled in the wagering.