O'Neill's Assistant Mora Expects Big Improvement From Denman's Call
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Denman’s Call was beaten 24 ½ lengths in the Santa Anita Derby, but Leandro Mora says you can dismiss that performance because of the sloppy track.
Doug O’Neill’s trusted assistant expects dramatic improvement from the son of Northern Afleet in Saturday’s Grade III Laz Barrera Stakes for three-year-olds at seven furlongs.
“We kind of drew a line through that race,” Mora said, “not that he was going to beat anybody, but he kind of took the path that had more water on it, and that doesn’t help a horse that’s always been on the lead.
“I get the feeling he’s going to run better this time. We also have Mrazek in the race, and he’s been first or second in his five races, all sprints, so we expect another big effort.”
The Barrera, which goes as race six on an 11-race card starting at 2 p.m.: Bistraya, Santiago Gonzalez, 15-1; Iron Bob, Stewart Elliott, 4-1; Mrazek, Mario Gutierrez, 7-2; Denman’s Call, Rafael Bejarano, 3-1; Smokey Image, Victor Espinoza, 4-1; Westbrook, Tiago Pereira, 12-1; and I Will Score, Martin Garcia, 5-2.
ARCATURE RETURNS TO MILE IN SINGLETARY STAKES
Arcature cuts back to a mile in Saturday’s $75,000 Singletary Stakes for three-year-olds on turf, and trainer Simon Callaghan is confident the son of Archarcharch fits well.
The bay colt owned by Arnold Zetcher was a close fourth in the Pasadena Stakes at a mile on grass March 13, beaten less than two lengths despite a wide trip.
“A mile is fine,” Callaghan said. “I think anywhere from a mile to a mile and an eighth suits him, but he’s training great and it looks like he has a really good shot in there.”
Callaghan was understandably delighted with the impressive victory by Taris in the Grade I Humana Distaff at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day.
“She definitely likes that distance (seven furlongs),” he said. “She’ll probably go in the Vanity (Mile) next.” The Vanity is expected to attract champions Beholder and Stellar Wind, so it would definitely be an event worth seeing.
Firing Line, also owned by Zetcher, had his first breeze Tuesday since running in last year’s Preakness. Second to American Pharaoh in the 2015 Kentucky Derby, Firing Line went three furlongs in 37.20. “He came out of it great,” Callaghan said.
The Singletary, which goes as the third race: Lucky Bryan, Victor Espinoza, 7-2; Arcature, Flavien Prat, 8-5; Mr. Roary, Stewart Elliott, 10-1; Tristan’s Trilogy, Brice Blanc, 2-1; Unapologetic, Santiago Gonzalez, 8-1; and Opportunistic, Drayden Van Dyke, 6-1.
FINISH LINES: Trivia question: At what race track did Kelso (five time Horse of the Year from 1960 through 1964) break his maiden?. . . Congrats to Santa Anita Director of Community Services and Special Projects Pete Siberell, a man of many hats and a resident of Sierra Madre the past 20 years, on being named Grand Marshall of the Sierre Madre Fourth of July Parade. The volunteers of the Sierra Madre Fourth of July Committee note that “Pete has demonstrated time and time again that he is the Spirit of Sierra Madre.” . . . Fans can purchase a Trackside Package for the Tacos Y Cerveza Festival Saturday that hosts the best local taco vendors serving their delicious creations, including Mexican Craft beers on the trackside apron. Visit santaanita.com/events to purchase a trackside package for only $35 . . . Horse racing Nation Southern California correspondent Scott Shapiro and Thoroughbred owner Roddy Valente will be Tom Quigley’s guests, Saturday and Sunday, respectively, 12:50 p.m., in the East Paddock Gardens . . . Trivia answer: Long gone Atlantic City Race Course in Mays Landing, N.J. Bonus points if you name his rider. It was John Block, the lesser-known brother of jockey Henry Block. Their agent was brother Karl.
Source: Santa Anita Park
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