AMERICAN GRADED STAKES
PREVIEWS
| BALDWIN S.
(G3), 7TH-SA, $100,000, 3YO, 6.5FT, 3:36 P.M. PST, 3-1 |
|
| 1 |
BEAUTEOUS MAXIMUS, 3, c, by Western FameLove Storm, by Illinois Storm O-Ellen & Peter O Johnson Sr; B-Applebite Farms (Ca) |
| 2 |
PREEMO, 3, c, by VindicationSolar Fire, by Stravinsky O-Chaiken Family Trust Or Sahadi; B-Fred Sahadi & Chaiken Family Trust (Ky) |
| 3 |
BROTHER KEITH, 3, c, by JoharHawa Mahal, by Hennessy O-Sarah K & Kenneth L Ramsey; B-McCaffery Trudy (Ky) |
| 4 |
DREAM OF KAYLEE, 3, c, by Cactus RidgeWitchkin, by Salem O-Boran Or Purple Shamrock Rcg Schroeder; B-J M Stables Inc (Ny) |
| 5 |
BATTLE OF HASTINGS (GB), 3, c, by Royal Applause (GB)Subya, by Night Shift O-Michael House; B-Myriad Communications & New England Stud (GB) |
| 6 |
DREAM NOW, 3, c, by Medaglia D’OroStriking Distance, by Blushing John O-Bloodstock Management Services Inc et al; B-Mr & Mrs John Glenney Jr (Ky) |
| 7 |
FLASHMANS PAPERS (GB), 3, c, by Exceed and ExcelFranglais, by Lion Cavern O-Dennis O’Neill; B-Cliveden Stud Ltd (GB) |
| 8 |
LUCKIEST MAN, 3, c, by Grand SlamPerforming Arts (Ire), by The Minstrel O-Amerman Racing LLC; B-Swettenham Stud (Ky) |
With the advent of the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, the Baldwin S. (G3) at
Santa Anita may have taken on new meaning. An about 6 1/2-furlong dash down the
hillside turf course, Sunday’s $100,000 renewal has the potential to yield a
starter or two for its corresponding Breeders’ Cup championship day event, won
last fall by 2007 Baldwin winner Desert Code (E Dubai).
Of the eight sophomores in this year’s field, one stands out on actual
accomplishment. FLASHMANS PAPERS (GB) (Exceed and Excel) is already a dual
stakes winner, including once on one of the world’s biggest stages, and is our
choice to rebound off a supbar outing in his latest. Flashmans Papers first
gained notoriety with a 100-1 upset of the Windsor Castle S. at Royal Ascot last
June, and though unsuccessful in the remainder of his European campaign, is now
two-for-two over the turf since his importation.
Unplaced in three straight on Polytrack, Flashmans Papers appreciated
returning to turf at Hollywood in early December, taking an allowance/optional
claimer, then stretched out to a mile to take the Eddie Logan S. during the
opening week of the current meet. Back on synthetic for his most recent outing
in the San Pedro S., Flashmans Papers again showed a lack of fondness for such
surfaces when a tiring sixth. Though unfamiliar with the hillside course, he
does bring the experience of having raced over several undulating courses in
England.
LUCKIEST MAN (Grand Slam) makes his turf debut for David Hofmans in this
spot, and the chestnut has the pedigree to excel over it being out of a mare by
The Minstrel. An off-the-pace maiden winner two back, he wasn’t quite as
effective when making his allowance debut last time on Pro-Ride.
DREAM NOW (Medaglia d’Oro) was an impressive 5 1/4-length maiden winner over
this course and distance two back, and thus deserves respect. The Julio Canani
charge was out of his element in both synthetic attempts, but should find a
return to the green potentially rewarding.
PREEMO (Vindication) looked solid taking a maiden turf sprint across town at
Hollywood in December, but the interim layoff raises some concerns. We’ll also
have to see how he handles likely pressure from Flashmans Papers, a much more
accomplished animal. BROTHER KEITH (Johar) sputtered out as a Kentucky Derby
(G1) prospect, so trainer Bobby Frankel will now test this one on the grass.
That seems a natural fit as he is by the dead-heat winner of the 2003 Breeders’
Cup Turf (G1) over this course and out of a Hennessy mare.
DREAM OF KAYLEE (Cactus Ridge) has never been worse than third in three
attempts, and might arguably be rated higher as he has some hidden turf
influences in his pedigree. Long gaps between starts, however, raise concerns
about his overall condition. Daily Racing Form reports that he is
expected to scratch. BATTLE OF HASTINGS (GB) (Royal Applause [GB]) was a
handicapper in England then was subsequently thrashed at Hollywood in his lone
American start. BEAUTEOUS MAXIMUS (Western Fame) makes his turf debut after
racing exclusively in California-bred company in his first six starts.