Could Be Trouble Can Improve Under Nakatani

Corey Nakatani’s reputation as a top turf rider is well-deserved. The 43-year-old Covina native navigates the green with nerves of steel. His prowess will be on display Saturday when he pilots Could Be Trouble for trainer Peter Miller in the $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for older California-bred or sired fillies and mares at about 6 ½ furlongs on Santa Anita’s downhill course.

“Usually, a horse with a little experience over this course does well,” said Nakatani, who is unbeaten in two turf rides on Could Be Trouble, although not on the downhill course. “The key is letting them be comfortable, run their race and stay out of their way

Could Be Trouble was fourth last out on Jan. 31, her first start in more than seven months. Prior to that, she won twice under Nakatani, at one mile and at six furlongs, each time on Hollywood’s turf course.

“She was off for a while,” Nakatani said of the gray daughter of Ministers Wild Cat. “She was going to run in a dirt race, but it didn’t go. I’m glad to be back on her and hope to win another race.”

The field for the Irish O’Brien, race four of nine: Boller Bomb, Martin Garcia; Dancingtothestars, Joe Talamo; Oscillator, Edwin Maldonado; Tribal Spy, Irving Orozco; Ciao Bella Luna, Rafael Bejarano; Sudden Sunday, Victor Espinoza; and Could Be Trouble, Nakatani.