Kanthaka takes on Baffert pair in Laz Barrera Stakes

Bob Baffert appears to be holding yet another strong hand as he approaches Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Lazaro Barrera Stakes at Santa Anita with a pair of promising sprinters, Zulfikhar and McKale, who when last they met on April 15, were separated by a half length.  While these two stablemates appear to be on the ascent, Jerry Hollendorfer’s classy Kanthaka will try to regain his top form as he cuts back in distance and joins six rival 3-year-olds at seven furlongs.

ZULFIKHAR

Owner:  Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum                              Trainer:  Bob Baffert

A $750,000 Fasig Tipton March 2-year-old in training sale purchase 14 months ago, this Kentucky-bred colt by Bodemeister lagged early off of torrid splits in a field of five allowance sophomores going 6 ½ furlongs on April 15 and went on to an authoritative half length win.  An impressive 3 ¾ length first-out maiden winner going five furlongs at Los Alamitos July 7, he resurfaced in a 1 1/16 miles first condition allowance on Feb. 19 at Oaklawn Park.  The 3-2 favorite in a field of nine, he caught a muddy racetrack and ended up fourth, beaten 4 ¾ lengths.  With a recent win under his belt, Zulfikhar appears poised to bring an “A” performance in his third start off a lengthy absence.

MCKALE

Owner:  Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman                        Trainer:  Bob Baffert

Head and head through splits of 21.60, 44.80 and 1:09.60, he was unable to hold off his stablemate Zulfikhar when beaten a half length as the 1-2 favorite in his second career start on April 15.  A $140,000 Keeneland September Yearling purchase in 2016, he was a first-out maiden winner here on March 10, airing by 2 ¼ lengths as the 3-5 favorite.  A Maryland-bred colt by Congrats, McKale has trained in impressive manner since his last start, evidenced by a pair of bullet five furlong works, the first on May 2 in 59.20 and most recently on May 7, a 58.20 move—best of 57 at the distance.

KANTHAKA

With an impressive move from off the pace, this Kentucky-bred colt by Jimmy Creed took the Grade II, seven furlong San Vicente Stakes by 3 ¼ lengths on Feb. 10 and was subsequently third, beaten 6 ½ lengths by Baffert’s highly accomplished McKinzie when stretched out to 1 1/16 miles in the Grade II San Felipe Stakes March 10.  In his most recent start, Kanthaka was a disappointing sixth, beaten 7 ¼ lengths, in the Grade II, 1 1/8 miles Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland April 7.  Although he should appreciate the return to sprinting, Kanthaka has the rail and some very talented opposition to contend with on Saturday.

THE GRADE III LAZARO BARRERA STAKES WITH JOCKEYS & WEIGHTS IN POST POSITION ORDER

Race 5 of 9                                                                                      Approximate post time 2:30 p.m. PT

1. Kanthaka—Flavien Prat—124

2. Calexman—Alonso Quinonez—120

3. McKale—Drayden Van Dyke—120

4. Zulfikhar—Martin Garcia—120

5. King Cause—Geovanni Franco—120

6. Bocephus—Stewart Elliott—120

7. Beautiful Shot—Kent Desormeaux—122