Horak: Santa Anita's Robert B. Lewis chalk looks strong
The road to Kentucky Derby 2020 continues with three more prep races on Saturday, among them the Grade 3, $100,000 Robert B. Lewis, a race in which I figure Bob Baffert will maintain his hold on the west coast preps.
Baffert already saddled the winners of the American Pharoah (G1), Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) and Sham Stakes (G3). Next up, he appears to hold aces again, with two of the favorites in the Santa Anita entries for the 1 1/16-mile Lewis.
But before deciding how to bet Saturday’s sixth race, let’s meet the field.
The Favorite
#2 Thousand Words (4-5) is a $1 million purchase with a 2-for-2 record, and he gamely defeated more experienced foes in the Los Al Futurity. He should be forwardly placed under Flavien Prat and should continue to develop for Bob Baffert. The deserving favorite looks tough to deny.
Value Win Contenders
#3 Tizamagician (3-1) finally graduated in his sixth start for Richard Mandella. Sound familiar? Omaha Beach was a similar type for this barn last year, and we know what he ending up doing. I am not saying that this colt is that good, but this colt is improving and should sit a decent stalking trip.
#5 High Velocity (3-1) is probably going to attempt a wire job under Joel Rosario. He was no match for his stablemate in a sloppy edition of the Los Al Futurity, but he did graduate at Santa Anita and won the Bob Hope (G3) around one turn at Del Mar. My guess is that he is a sprinter.
Remaining Entrants
#1 Encoder (8-1) showed improved tactical speed in his flat mile turf victory in the Eddie Logan Stakes back on Dec. 29. This is his first start on dirt.
#4 Royal Act (15-1) looked good graduating in his one-mile turf debut at Del Mar last fall, and ended up an even fifth in the Eddie Logan second time out. He is bred for dirt, however, and still has upside.
#6 Zimba Warrior (15-1) broke his maiden in a dirt sprint in Northern California and wound up third without threatening the top finishers in his last three stakes starts in Southern California. A minor award is not impossible.
Suggested Wagers
Exacta 2-3
Trifecta 2-3-5