Drysdale Seeks Another San Luis Rey

Neil Drysdale is no stranger when it comes to winning marathon races. The Hall of Fame trainer has won the mile-and-a-half San Luis Rey Stakes four times, three times in its last seven runnings, twice with Bourbon Bay, in 2010 and again in 2012.

Next Saturday, Drysdale goes for No. 5 when he sends out the French-bred Lucayan in the Grade II test for four-year-olds and up at 10 furlongs on the grass.

“He’s already won at a mile and a half,” Drysdale said, referring to the Grade II Hollywood Turf Cup last Dec. 14. “He had a wide trip last out (when third in the Grade II San Marcos Stakes at 1 ¼ miles on Feb. 8). Hopefully, he’ll get a better run on Saturday.”

Probable for the San Luis Rey: Free With Fire, Tyler Baze; Lucayan, Mike Smith; Temeraine, Gary Stevens; and Vagabond Shoes, Victor Espinoza.

Trainer Richard Mandella said San Luis Rey nominee Segway likely would pass the race and be pointed to the Grade III, $100,000 Tokyo City Cup at a mile and a half on the main track March 29.