2/26/09
Last updated: 2/25/09 8:25 PM
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The Pamplemousse is going for his third straight
victory in the Sham
(Benoit Photo) |
San Rafael S. (G3) hero THE PAMPLEMOUSSE (Kafwain) will look to run his
winning streak to three when he squares off against 11 rivals in Saturday’s
$200,000
Sham S. (G3) at Santa Anita. Trained by Julio Canani, the gray colt broke
his maiden over the Pro-Ride two starts back, defeating eventual Turf Paradise
Derby winner Mayor Marv (Distorted Humor), and rolled to an impressive
two-length score in the one-mile San Rafael, leading wire to wire. The
Kentucky-bred will stretch out to 1 1/8 miles on Saturday with regular rider
Alex Solis.
“I’m speechless, I really am,” Solis said following the San Rafael. “It feels
like he’s walking, he does everything so effortlessly.”
TAKE THE POINTS (Even the Score), a sharp two-length allowance scorer at
Gulfstream Park in his last outing, has shipped into the West Coast for trainer Todd
Pletcher. The gray colt also owns a two-race winning skein, breaking his maiden
last fall at Belmont Park, and he’ll make his stakes debut from the far outside
post under new rider Garrett Gomez. SMART BID (Smart Strike), a turf
allowance/optional claiming winner last out in his California debut, will move
from turf to Pro-Ride for Graham Motion, and the Pennsylvania-bred will keep
Rafael Bejarano in the saddle.
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Grade 3-placed VENTANA (Toccet), a fast-finishing fourth in the February 16
San Vicente S. (G2), will wheel back into the Sham for Bob Baffert off a 12-day
rest. MARK S THE COOLER (Johar), a good-looking maiden winner two starts back
for Doug O’Neill, will attempt to improve upon a fifth in the Robert B. Lewis S.
(G2) last time out.
The $100,000
Crystal Water H. is also carded, and eight California-bred horses will
contest the one-mile turf affair. Del Mar Mile H. (G2) runner-up BOLD CHIEFTAIN
(Chief Seattle), last seen recording an eighth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1),
is the top draw.
