Multiple Grade 3 victor THE PAMPLEMOUSSE (Kafwain), a smashing six-length
winner of the Sham S. (G3) on February 28, worked five furlongs in :59 4/5 over
Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride on Wednesday with regular rider Alex Solis. The gray colt
is preparing for his next start in the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April
4.
“He went very nice, nice and easy,” trainer Julio Canani said. “He was three
wide and just galloping. I’m very happy. He was just breezing. I’m very
pleased.”
A maiden special weight winner in his final juvenile appearance, The
Pamplemousse made a seamless transition to stakes competition when leading all
the way in the one-mile San Rafael S. (G3) on January 17. He extended his win
streak to three with another front-running score in the 1 1/8-mile Sham.
The Santa Anita Derby will feature a showdown between the most accomplished
three-year-olds on the West Coast, The Pamplemousse and PIONEEROF THE NILE
(Empire Maker). The latter also owns a three-race winning streak, most recently
garnering Saturday’s San Felipe S. (G2). The rivals will meet for the first time
in the nine-furlong Santa Anita Derby.
In other Kentucky Derby (G1) news, trainer Gary Stute announced Wednesday
that Louisiana Derby (G2) runner-up PAPA CLEM (Smart Strike) will make his next
start in the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G2) on April 11.
“At first, we were going in the Illinois Derby (G2) (on April 4 at
Hawthorne),” Stute explained. “But we couldn’t make travel connections and had
to change plans.”
Rafael Bejarano will retain the mount at Oaklawn Park.