Report: American Anthem may route in San Diego Handicap

Despite his success around one turn, and in particular seven furlongs, American Anthem is possible to stretch out again in the San Diego Handicap (G2) on July 21 at Del Mar, the Daily Racing Form reports.

The 4-year-old son of Bodemeister has not started in a two-turn route since the 2017 Santa Anita Derby (G1), where he finished 12th after getting caught in a three-way speed duel.

"I think I want to stretch him out," Baffert told DRF on Sunday.

With his win in the San Carlos Stakes (G2) last weekend, American Anthem is now 5-4-0-1 in seven furlong races. His lone loss at the distance came in the Allen Jerkens Stakes (G1) at Saratoga last summer.

If not the San Diego, then American Anthem will run in another seven-furlong race, the Forego Stakes (G1) at Saratoga on Aug. 25.

American Anthem's second dam is Banshee Winds, who produced the multiple graded stakes winner Banshee Breeze, who finished first in multiple Grade I races around two turns including the 1 ½-mile Coaching Club American Oaks and 1 ¼-mile Alabama Stakes, both in 1998.

She also finished second in the 1998 Kentucky Oaks and in two editions of the Breeders' Cup Distaff (1998 and 1999). 

American Anthem is owned in partnership by WinStar Farm and China Horse Club, with both also campaigning Triple Crown champion Justify.