Richard’s Kid, Mast Track debut for new connections in San
Antonio
Grade 1 winners RICHARD’S KID (Lemon Drop Kid) and MAST TRACK (Mizzen Mast)
will enter a new phase of their respective careers in the $150,000
San
Antonio H. (G2), the Super Bowl Sunday feature at Santa Anita. Each has
experienced a recent change in ownership, and one is debuting for a new barn in
the 1 1/8-mile test on Pro-Ride, which serves as a stepping stone to the March 6
Santa Anita H. (G1).
Richard’s Kid, last seen finishing sixth in the November 7 Breeders’ Cup
Classic (G1), has since been sold to Zabeel Racing International, the nom de
course of Sheikh Mohammed’s son, Sheikh Rashid. His new connections purchased
him with an eye toward the March 27 Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1).
For the time being, Richard’s Kid has remained with Bob Baffert, who
conditioned him to a career-best victory in the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar
last summer. Two starts back, Richard’s Kid was a closing third in the Goodwood
S. (G1) at this track and distance, and he lines up in the San Antonio as the
120-pound highweight. Garrett Gomez picks up the mount on the deep closer, who
could find nine furlongs a tad on the short side.
Mast Track has a different profile. A confirmed front-runner, he scored his
signature victory in the 2008 Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) for his late
owner/breeder/trainer Bobby Frankel.
Following the Hall of Famer’s death in mid-November, Mast Track was purchased
by Stronach Stables on the eve of his wire-to-wire score in the December 12
Native Diver H. (G3) at Hollywood Park. He was saddled by Frankel’s longtime
assistant, Humberto Ascanio, that day, but has since been transferred to John
Shirreffs. While making his debut for his new trainer Sunday, Mast Track will
also team up with jockey Mike Smith for the first time.
Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) upsetter FURTHEST LAND (Smart Strike) looks to
rebound off a poor effort in the January 9 San Pasqual H. (G2), where he trailed
home last as the 3-5 favorite. Prior to that baffling performance, the Mike
Maker charge had been perfect over synthetic surfaces. Julien Leparoux will be
back aboard the reformed claimer.
NOWNOWNOW (Whywhywhy), winner of the 2009 San Fernando S. (G2) over DAKOTA
PHONE (Zavata), exits a third in the San Pasqual in his return from a lengthy
layoff. Joe Talamo rides for conditioner Patrick Biancone, who will also saddle
the Grade 2-placed QUASICOBRA (Wild Rush).
MARSH SIDE (Gone West) reverts to synthetic, and cuts back in trip, after
having spent the last 17 months competing in turf marathons. Fourth as the
defending champion in the Canadian International (Can-G1) two starts ago, the
Neil Drysdale veteran was most recently a lackluster 17th in the November 29
Japan Cup (Jpn-G1). Joel Rosario has the call.
To accommodate Super Bowl XLIV, Santa Anita has scheduled an early first post
of 11:00 a.m. (PST) Sunday. The 11 San Antonio entrants are scheduled to break
from the gate at 2:07 p.m.