Norfolk S. (G1) winner JAYCITO (Victory Gallop), who has not raced since his
eventful seventh in the November 6 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), could make his
sophomore debut in the February 20 San Vicente S. (G2) at Santa Anita.
“I’ve been looking for an allowance race for him, but it didn’t fill,” said
Bob Baffert, who took over the colt’s training after the Breeders’ Cup.
Jaycito would be cutting back to seven furlongs for the first time since last
summer’s Del Mar Futurity (G1), where he rallied for second to J P’s Gusto
(Successful Appeal). Former trainer Mike Mitchell then stretched him out to 1
1/16 miles for his next two starts. After breaking his maiden at the expense of
J P’s Gusto in the Norfolk, Jaycito bolted to the extreme outside in the
Juvenile, but regrouped to get up for seventh.
Baffert has another high-profile San Vicente candidate in THE FACTOR (War
Front), whose Monday work will determine his status.
“If he works well, he’ll run,” Baffert said of the smashing maiden winner,
who smoked six furlongs in a track-record 1:06.98 at Santa Anita, winning by
8 1/4 lengths. The Factor last worked at Santa Anita on January 9.
Since then, the gray colt has only worked once, as foot issues prompted
Baffert to work him on Hollywood Park’s Cushion Track last Tuesday, going six
furlongs in 1:12.
Other probables for the San Vicente include San Pedro S. winner INDIAN WINTER
(Indian Charlie) and Best Pal S. (G2) runner-up SWAY AWAY (Afleet Alex), who
will be ridden by Garrett Gomez.