Well Armed, Cowboy Cal highlight strong field in San
Pasqual
Saturday’s $150,000
San
Pasqual H. (G2) will feature a good group of 12 older horses over Santa
Anita’s Pro-Ride, and WELL ARMED (Tiznow), winner of the Goodwood S. (G1) two
starts back over the track, is the top draw for the 1 1/16-mile event.
Trained by Eoin Harty, Well Armed kept top-class company last season, placing
third in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) and second in the Pacific Classic (G1),
and the WinStar Farm colorbearer garnered victories in the San Diego H. (G2) and
San Antonio H. (G2) before wrapping up his 2008 campaign with an
uncharacteristic showing in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, finishing ninth as the
6-5 favorite. Runner-up in the 2008 San Pasqual, Well Armed will keep Aaron
Gryder in the saddle for his 2009 bow.
COWBOY CAL (Giant’s Causeway) also merits serious respect. The Grade 3 winner
finished second in the Blue Grass S. (G1) before recording a ninth in the
Kentucky Derby (G1), and the Todd Pletcher pupil wasn’t seen again under silks
until October, returning with a gutsy victory in the Bryan Station S. (G3) via
disqualification. The four-year-old colt exits an excellent runner-up effort in
the Hollywood Derby (G1), and he shouldn’t have any trouble switching back to
a synthetic track. John Velazquez retains the mount.
Canadian classic winner MARCHFIELD (A.P. Indy) will invade for Mark Casse off
a score in the Autumn S. (Can-G2) at Woodbine, and the top-three finishers in
the December 6 Native Diver H. (G3) — SLEW’S TIZZY (Tiznow), PAST THE POINT
(Indian Charlie) and BALL FOUR (Grand Slam), respectively — are all part of the
line up. Grade 2 hero NOBLE COURT (Doneraile Court), who will stretch out in
distance off a third as the favorite in the six-furlong Vernon O. Underwood S.
(G3), is an interesting contender.