Kentucky Derby trail: Kanthaka's late run wins San Vicente
Given a blistering pace to run at, Kanthaka made the most of it Saturday, blowing by with a four-wide move to win Santa Anita Park’s Grade 2, $200,000 San Vicente Stakes by 3 3/4 lengths.
While not a points-paying 2018 Kentucky Derby prep, the race has launched seasons for a number of prominent runners, including 2016 Derby winner Nyquist and Exaggertor, who went on to take the Preakness.
A Dec. 26 maiden winner, Kanthaka made his late-running style translate to stakes by completing seven furlongs in 1:22.62 under hot jockey Flavien Prat.
"He did everything right," Prat said of the Jimmy Creed colt. "He broke like a bullet, and then I was able to sit a few lengths behind the speed."
The rider added added, "He should run easier farther."
Nero, one of two trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, was second, while it was nearly nine lengths farther back to All Out Blitz.
“I was completely screwed by (Mr. Jaggermeister)," said Ax Man's jockey, Drayden Van Dyke. "He had me down on the rail and he was done at the three eighths pole, but he kept me in tight. My horse got tired, but he never got a breather. I would completely throw this race out.”
Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, who was also a winner on Saturday’s card with Unique Bella in the Grade 2 Santa Maria, Kanthaka is now 2-for-3 in his career.
"We see him in the mornings. He relaxes nicely. I would say two turns is probably next up," said Jeff Lifson, representing owner West Point Thoroughbreds, which scored its 100th stakes victory with Kanthaka. "That short little fella that was over here that already won with Unique Bella will probably make the ultimate call. But we're going to obviously ride on his coat tails, and we're delighted to still be on the Derby trail."
Hollendorfer's other San Vicente victory came 22 years ago with Afleet Affair.