Bench Warrant Hugs Rail Down the Dip

Bench Warrant took a steep drop in class, tried turf for the first time and cut back in distance to take Thursday’s $58,000 Santa Anita allowance feature by a nose under Tyler Baze, negotiating 6 ½ furlongs down the track’s hillside turf course in 1:13.19.

Fourth to highly regarded Kentucky Derby prospect Dortmund in the Grade I, 1 1/16 miles Los Alamitos Futurity on Dec. 20, the John Sadler-conditioned Bench Warrant hugged the rail throughout and was just up to nip Jazzy Josh and Victor Espinoza on the wire.  The second choice in a field of eight 3-year-olds at 2-1, Bench Warrant paid $6.20, $3.80 and $2.80.

A close fifth crossing the dirt at the top of the lane behind fractions of 21.50, 44.39 and 1:07.31, Bench Warrant, a Kentucky-bred colt by Street Boss, got his second win from four starts and with the winner’s share of $34,800, he increased his earnings to $116,760.  Bench Warrant is owned by Doubledown Stables, Inc.

“I know how good he is now,” said Baze.  “I can’t wait, he’s still learning.  He did get a little intimidated today.  Victor was about three off the rail and then he came down and didn’t leave a whole lot of room for us.  He’s a nice horse with a will to win.  He handled the turf great, very push button.  He’s on fire when I ask him.”  (The temporary inner rail was set at 24 feet).

Breaking from the rail, Jazzy Josh showed good speed and just lost in a head-bob on the wire.  Off at 9-2, he paid $5.20 and $3.60.

It was a length and a half back to Diamond Majesty, who rallied late for the show under Flavien Prat.  Off at 7-1, Diamond Majesty paid $4.00 to show.