Will Midnight Interlude Handle Turf?

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert was looking for a change of pace with Midnight Interlude and hopes a race on turf late Friday night will fit the name of the Santa Anita Derby winner.

“I just want to see if he likes the turf,” said Baffert Thursday of the 3-year-old colt’s grass debut in the $70,000-added Tsunami Slew Stakes at one mile.

Baffert remained puzzled about Midnight Interlude’s disappointing performances in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, in which he finished far back in both.

“I still don’t know why he didn’t run better back east,” said Baffert. “I’m trying to reverse his mindset.” Midnight Interlude has a turf pedigree top and bottom.

Midnight Interlude will begin a busy stakes weekend here for Baffert, who will also send out American Story in the Vanity Handicap Saturday and high weights Fund Raiser and Irish Gypsy in the $70,000-added Desert Stormer Handicap for fillies and mares at six furlongs Sunday.