Chicago Style could dish up big effort in San Gabriel Stakes
Off to a fast start at the current meet, trainer Richard Baltas will be well represented by Next Shares, who ran the best race of his career two starts back when taking the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) at Keeneland Oct. 6.
Michael McCarthy’s Liam the Charmer, last seen here winning the John Henry Turf Championship (G2) two starts back on Sept. 30, never got untracked when eased going a mile and one half in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Nov. 3 and will try to bounce back over a course which he’s done well.
CHICAGO STYLE
Owner: Glen Hill Farm
This 6-year-old Kitten’s Joy gelding displayed a terrific turn of foot when rallying to take the Hollywood Turf Cup (G2) going 1 1/2 miles over the Del Mar turf on Nov. 23 and was a respectable fifth, beaten 1 1/2 lengths, two starts back in the one-mile Lure Stakes on Nov. 2 at Santa Anita. With Drayden Van Dyke set to ride him back, Chicago Style would appreciate a lively pace as he bids for his seventh win from 12 career tries.
NEXT SHARES
Owner: Michael Iavarone, Jules Iavarone, Jerry McClanahan, Christopher Dunn, William Marasa, Ritchie Robershaw & Mark Taylor
With the Shadwell Turf Mile looming as his crowning career achievement, Next Shares comes off the best year of his career, winning $903,890 while compiling a 10: 2-2-2 mark for 2018. His San Gabriel candidacy gets a big boost with the addition of Joel Rosario, who last rode him 11 starts back on Nov. 10, 2017 — a six-furlong turf allowance win at Aqueduct. Well beaten but not disgraced when 13th, beaten six lengths in the Breeders’ Cup Mile on Nov. 3, this 6-year-old Archarcharch gelding has two seconds and as many thirds from four local turf tries.
LIAM THE CHARMER
Owner: Madaket Stables, LLC
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
With his John Henry score two starts back providing additional proof, this 6-year-old Smart Strike gelding adores the Santa Anita turf, evidenced by his 8: 4-1-1 local resume. A dedicated deep closer, he’ll get the services of Kent Desormeaux, who will hope to have some pace to run down late.
SAN GABRIEL STAKES WITH JOCKEYS & WEIGHTS IN POST POSITION ORDER
Race 7 of 10 (approximate post time 3 p.m. PT)
1. Liam the Charmer—Kent Desormeaux—124
2. Platinum Warrior—Shane Foley—122
3. Cleopatra’s Strike—Flavien Prat—120
4. Oscar Dominguez—Rafael Bejarano—120
5. Chicago Style—Drayden Van Dyke—124
6. Flamboyant—Brice Blanc—122
7. Next Shares—Joel Rosario—124
8. Big Score—Mike Smith—120
9. Big Bend—Joe Talamo—120
10. Arms Runner—Martin Pedroza—120