Leading Triple Crown contender PIONEEROF THE NILE (Empire Maker) worked five
furlongs in a bullet :58 4/5 over Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride on Sunday morning under
regular rider Garrett Gomez. The move, which was the best of 85 works at the
distance on the day, is in advance of Saturday’s $200,000 San Felipe S. (G2)
going 1 1/16 miles.
“He went really nice,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “All systems are go.”
Pioneerof the Nile’s already respectable reputation was enhanced dramatically
after I WANT REVENGE (Stephen Got Even) scored an eye-catching 8 1/2-length
victory in Saturday’s Gotham S. (G3) at Aqueduct under jockey Joe Talamo.
Pioneerof the Nile twice defeated I Want Revenge, in the CashCall Futurity (G1)
and the Robert B. Lewis S. (G2).
“I Want Revenge had such a great trip,” said Talamo, back at Clockers’ Corner
Sunday morning after a flight from New York following the Gotham. “I was really
surprised at how easy we got to go, because on paper, I thought they might have
gone in :47 flat for the half (mile; the time was :48.45). I mean, :48 to him is
like :49. He’s got such a big stride.
“Knock on wood, if everything goes well, we could make it to the (Kentucky)
Derby (G1). That’d be sweet.”
The San Felipe is shaping up to have a small field. Maiden winner JERANIMO (Congaree),
also being considered for the San Felipe by trainer Mike Pender, worked five
furlongs Sunday in 1:00 1/5 with Brice Blanc aboard. It was ranked 14th of the
85 works for that distance at Santa Anita. Trainer Ronny Werner is reportedly
also considering O.B.S. Sprint S. hero PRAY FOR ACTION (Songandaprayer) for the
West Coast’s final major prep to the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April 4. The
Florida-bred Pray for Action has been training at Fair Grounds.