Loup Breton takes synthetic shot

The gamble of starting Loup Breton in Saturday's $750,000 Santa Anita Handicap is one worth taking, trainer Julio Canani insists.

With proven form on turf, and the absence of a standout in the historic race this year, Loup Breton will be asked to try something new when he starts in the Grade 1 Big Cap over 1 1/4 miles on Santa Anita's synthetic track.

If he wins, or runs very well, there is an expansive list of options for owner Wildenstein Stable and Canani to consider in coming months. If he loses, it will be back to turf.

"If it doesn't work out, you can take it off your mind," Canani said. "Once in a while, you've got to try."