San Rafael

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

The $150,000 San Rafael S. (G2) has been moved up on the calendar by Santa
Anita and drew only six sophomores. The one-mile event marks the stakes bow for the undefeated KIRKENDAHL (Menifee),
who exits a pair of impressive victories at Hollywood Park, including a 3
1/2-length romp over optional-claiming opponents that earned him a commendable 102
BRIS Speed rating. Trained by Ted West, Kirkendahl owns excellent tactical speed
and shows a couple of nice seven-furlong works in preparation for his two-turn
debut. We’ll look for the bay colt to be a pace presence from the start as he
continues his winning ways.

TEXCESS (In Excess [Ire]) will likely go favored and must be respected off a fine score in the $1
million Delta Jackpot S. He’s won his last three outings, all at 1 1/16
miles, and the Paul Aguirre trainee possesses a quick turn of foot. He definitely
own a winning attitude, but the gelding Speed ratings remain a little low. Texcess should be in position to challenge for it all at the top of the stretch,
but he might prove vulnerable at a short price.

CHIPS ARE DOWN (Distorted Humor) is a promising colt in the Bob Baffert
shedrow who comes off a fine allowance score at Hollywood. His form has improved
as he stretched out in distance in his last two outings, and the dark bay colt
has run well twice at Santa Anita. Chips are Down figures to settle into a good
stalking trip under Rene Douglas and is a threat to continue to show more with
his first stakes win.

SPANISH CHESTNUT (Horse Chestnut [SAf]) figures to show the way early and
could prove difficult to catch if allowed to dictate moderate fractions. We
liked the jockey switch to Gary Stevens in his last start and the one-mile
distance is a perfect fit. The Patrick Biancone charge is dangerous. DOVER DERE
(Cherokee Run) comes off an easy stakes win at Golden Gate Fields but will need
to improve significantly to be a factor here. His best Speed figure of 87 will
not get it done against these rivals. ICED OUT (Comic Strip) ran well against
restricted foes last time but will be tested for class here. We’ll watch to see
how he fares against open company.