Five Palms Sharp in Santa Anita Comeback

Comebacking Five Palms returned to action in style on Thursday, as he took command mid-way around the far turn and sped to an impressive 4 ½ length win under Martin Garcia while covering seven furlongs in 1:22.29.  Trained by Bob Baffert, the 5-year-old horse by Unbridled’s Song had been idle since winning a first condition allowance at Santa Anita on Dec. 26, 2013.

“Fifteen months off, he attacked and he ran strong today,” said Baffert assistant Jim Barnes.  “We can do it.  If anybody can bring a horse back after that kind of a layoff, we can.”

Indeed they can.  Off at even money in a field of seven older horses, Five Palms paid $4.00, $3.40 and $2.40.  Owned by Karl Watson, Mike Pegram and Paul Weitman, Five Palms notched his third win from four starts and with the winner’s share of $36,000, increased his earnings to $100,680.

“He was really hot in the post parade, but once we got over to the backside, he was really relaxed,” said Garcia.  “I just sat chilly and when Raised a Secret (ridden by Agapito Delgadillo) got close to me at the quarter pole, I asked my horse to go and he just took off.  He’s a really good horse.”

Raised a Secret, who sat third behind early pacesetter Macro Access and Five Palms, was no match for the winner the final eighth of a mile and finished second, one length in front of Airfoil.  Off at 9-2, Raised a Secret paid $4.60 and $3.40.

Ridden by Tyler Baze, Airfoil closed from well off the pace to finish third, 4 ½ lengths in front of Solid Wager.  Off at 9-2, Airfoil paid $2.40 to show.

First post time at Santa Anita on Friday is at 1 p.m.  Admission gates open at 11 a.m.

Source: Santa Anita Park