Debut winner Smuggler's Run is likely for G3 San Vicente

The Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes, a significant forerunner to the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April 9, will be in the spotlight next Saturday when 3-year-olds try to prove their mettle en route to the Triple Crown trail.

At seven furlongs and with a purse of $200,000, the San Vicente is one of three stakes Saturday and one of six next weekend at Santa Anita.

With Horse of the Year favorite Knicks Go and the brilliant Life Is Good set to meet in the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) Saturday at Gulfstream Park, fans will be treated to a huge day of bicoastal racing at both Gulfstream in South Florida and at Santa Anita as 10 graded stakes will be offered between the two venues, with first live race post time for a nine-race program at Santa Anita 3:30 p.m. EST.

Complementing the San Vicente on Saturday are the $200,000 Palos Verdes Stakes (G3) at six furlongs for 4-year-olds and up and the $100,000 Megahertz Stakes (G3) at a mile on turf for older fillies and mares.

Sunday’s attractions are the $225,000 San Marcos Stakes (G2) for older horses at 1 1/4 miles on turf, and two $75,000 events, the Lady of Shamrock Stakes at a mile on turf for 3-year-old fillies and the Baffle Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs on turf for 3-year-olds.

Richard Baltas has two of the 15 horses nominated to the San Vicente, both California-breds, Straight Up G and Smuggler’s Run, with the latter most likely to participate.

“Smuggler’s Run is by Straight Fire, the same sire as Straight Up G,” the trainer said. “Straight Fire is standing at Legacy (Ranch) and has had like 20 foals and 10 winners.”

Straight Fire broke his maiden for trainer Keith Desormeaux by 10 1/2 lengths at Del Mar in 2016, earning a 98 Beyer. He entered stud in 2018 and stands this year for $5,000.

“Straight Fire showed precocity, speed and brilliance in his brief career, all attributes that appeal to California breeders,” said Pete Parrella, who with his wife, Evelyn, owns Legacy Ranch, a 145-acre facility in Clements outside of the Sierra foothills, where the prolific Clubhouse Ride and hot sire Mr. Big also stand.

Owned by KMN Racing LLC, nom de course of Kevin Nish, Smuggler’s Run was no secret winning his debut race by 5 1/2 lengths on Jan. 1 as the 3-10 favorite. The bay gelding was trained at that time by Ruben Alvarado.

“I’ve only had him for one or two works,” Baltas said, “but he’s a nice horse.”