Lakerville Back on Downhill Course
If there’s a horse for course, it’s Lakerville running over Santa Anita’s unique downhill turf layout at about 6 ½ furlongs.
The 6-year-old Unusual Heat horse has two wins and a second in three starts down the hill, and is the 2-1 morning choice to add another victory in Sunday’s Grade III San Simeon Stakes at about 6 ½ furlongs on turf.
Lakerville ventured out of his comfort zone for the first time on March 8, when he finished sixth in the Grade I Kilroe Mile on grass, but was beaten just over three lengths after a tardy beginning.
Trainer Barry Abrams expects the late-running chestnut back at his best tomorrow.
“He always runs his race,” said the trainer, who also owns a share of Lakerville with Madeline Auerbach. “He makes that one big run from behind. As a fan, it’s exciting to watch.”
The field for the San Simeon: Pataky Kid, Gary Stevens, 12-1; Chiloquin, Iggy Puglisi, 6-1; Forward March, Aaron Gryder, 15-1; Sweet Swap, Joe Talamo, 5-2; Zimmer, Mike Smith, 5-1; Pure Tactics, Rafael Bejarano, 5-1; Lakerville, Corey Nakatani, 2-1; Handsome Mike, Mario Gutierrez, 20-1; and Artest, Brice Blanc, 15-1.
Chips All In, who was scratched from the race, worked five furlongs Saturday in 1:00.80 under Tyler Baze.