Jojo Warrior Ready; Bayern Day-to-Day
If punters were caught unaware by Jojo Warrior’s uncharacteristic eighth-place finish at 7-2 in the Grade I La Brea Stakes at seven furlongs on Dec. 26, join the club.
Imagine how Bob Baffert felt. He trains the 4-year-old Pioneerof the Nile filly, who finished 20 ½ lengths behind victorious Sam’s Sister.
“I was surprised at how poorly she ran,” Baffert said. “She was training great going into it, but you know what? She wasn’t effective going one turn last year, and when I finally stretched her out, she was a different filly.”
That’s what Baffert is hoping for when Jojo Warrior runs in Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 La Canada Stakes for older fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles.
“She’s been training well for this race, so I think she doesn’t want any part of one turn,” Baffert said. “That’s it. She doesn’t want to be rushed.”
The field for the La Canada: Fleet of Gold, Alex Solis, 12-1; Sam’s Sister, Elvis Trujillo, 2-1; Lexie Lou, Corey Nakatani, 6-5; Thegirlinthatsong, Rafael Bejarano, 8-1; Jojo Warrior, Martin Garcia, 4-1; Une Cherise, Joe Talamo, 15-1; Ramona’s Wildcat, Kent Desormeaux, 15-1; and Colonel Joan, Gary Stevens, 12-1.
On the status of Horse of the Year and male 3-year-old finalist Bayern and a reported quarter crack that has brought a halt to his training, Baffert said: “It‘s not that serious, but I haven’t been able to work him.
“He just had an abscess (on his right hind foot), so I’ve got to be really careful with it. He’s day to day.”
Source: Santa Anita Park