California Flag Ready for San Simeon

California Flag’s reputation precedes him, or so it would seem based on weights for Saturday’s Grade III San Simeon Handicap for older horses at about 6 ½ furlongs on turf. The winner of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint carries 121 pounds against seven rivals, including likely pacesetter Ain’t No Other.

 

The San Simeon marks California Flag’s first start since last Nov. 11, when he was 12th of 14 in a troubled trip in the BC Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs.

 

“Every high weight that was right behind me went in the San Simeon,” trainer Brian Koriner pointed out. “Nobody sat out. They’re all there. I didn’t beat Ain’t No Other all that much last time and I’ve got to give him five pounds. That’s a lot of weight, this early in the year.”

 

The field for the San Simeon: Supreme Summit, David Flores, 9-2; Gallant Son, Leslie Mawing, 12-1; Victory Peter, Chantal Sutherland, 8-1; Sayif, Jose Valdivia Jr., 20-1; Compari, Rafael Bejarano, 3-1; California Flag, Joe Talamo, 7-2; Irish Art, Joel Rosario. 5-2; and Ain’t No Other, Mike Smith, 4-1.

 

Read More

Shred the Gnar tears it up in Chilukki return
Shred the Gnar is back, and she is one of the most impressive 3-year-old fillies in the nation....
Sunday works: Magnitude leads graded winners on tab
Magnitude breezed five furlongs in 1:00.6 at Churchill Downs on Sunday morning. It was the eighth fastest of...
Speed figures: Chilukki winner Shred the Gnar leads top 10
Scoring at 5-2 odds, 3-year-old Shred the Gnar not only won the Chilukki Stakes at Churchill Downs. Her triumph...
Woodbine cancels remainder of Sunday's because of high winds
Woodbine Entertainment canceled the rest of Sunday's card at Woodbine Racetrack after the third race because of high...
Aqueduct cancels remainder of Sunday's card due to high winds
The New York Racing Association canceled live racing after the second race Sunday at Aqueduct because of high...