Hot Rod Charlie will drop blinkers for Sunday's San Antonio

Hot Rod Charlie, who wore blinkers while finishing fourth in pursuit of victorious front-running favorite Knicks Go in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar Nov. 6, will race without them in Sunday’s Grade 2 San Antonio Stakes at Santa Anita, a major steppingstone to the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) on March 5.

“He was a bit erratic down the lane in two races before the Classic, so we figured the blinkers on would be beneficial in the Breeders’ Cup. But we’re removing them for the San Antonio, and I think we’ll know more after the race,” trainer Doug O’Neill said.

“His two races prior to the Breeders’ Cup Classic resulted in wins with the blinkers off,” continued O’Neill, referring to the Haskell (G1) at Monmouth Park on July 17 and the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) at Parx on Sept. 25, although he was disqualified to second in the Haskell.

A 3-year-old son of Oxbow owned by Boat Racing LLC, Gainesway Stable, Roadrunner Racing and William Strauss, the $110,000 purchase has earned more than 20 times that amount – $2,471,200 – despite winning only three of his 12 career starts.

“He’s training well, and we’re excited about opening day,” said O’Neill, who has a busy Sunday with 11 scheduled starters.

“If that’s not a one-day high for me, it’s right up in there,” he said.