Intrepido targets San Felipe after runner-up finish in Lewis

Intrepido could target the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes on March 7 at Santa Anita or the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April 4 after his second-place finish in Saturday's Robert B. Lewis (G3) Stakes.

Trainer Jeff Mullins said his preference would be to wait for the Santa Anita Derby but acknowledged the San Felipe could help Intrepido accrue enough qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. Intrepido has 23 Kentucky Derby points.

"If we could have won, then we could have coasted and wait for the Santa Anita Derby," Mullins said. "The question is, are you going to dance every dance before you really get down to business (in the Triple Crown)? You don't want to chase, chase chase, those (Kentucky Derby qualifying) points. Then you get to the Derby and you're done."

Intrepido, ridden by Hector Berrios, finished three-quarters of a length behind Plutarch in the Lewis going one mile. The two dueled on the front end for most of the race before a stirring stretch battle.

"Hector said if he was on the outside, he probably could have gone by him," Mullins said.

Mullins reported Intrepido was doing well Sunday morning.

Plutarch earned a 90 Beyer Speed Figure, according to Daily Racing Form's Brad Free, for his first dirt victory. Intrepido earned an 89 Beyer.

Trainer Bob Baffert reported both Plutarch and Splendora, winner of Saturday's D. Wayne Lukas Stakes (G2), were "doing great" Sunday morning.

Intrepido is owned by Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures.