'Perfect' King Guillermo to pursue Santa Anita Handicap

By Carolyn Greer
Photo: Eclipse Sportswire

After deciding to skip Saturday's Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup, the connections of King Guillermo are setting their sights out west.

Trainer Juan Carlos Avila said Monday that the 2020 Tampa Bay Derby (G2) upset winner is in "perfect" shape to prep for the March 6 Santa Anita Handicap (G1). He did not say if the Uncle Mo colt would race before the Big 'Cap.

King Guillermo has been working at Gulfstream, breezing six furlongs in 1:15.92 on Saturday.

Owned by former Major League Baseball All-Star Victor Martinez, King Guillermo had an unusual year after his Tampa Bay Derby win at 49-1 odds. 

He finished second behind Nadal in the Arkansas Derby (G1) and then trained for the Kentucky Derby. But he was scratched two days ahead of the race after spiking a fever. He did not race again until the Dec. 5 Cigar Mile Handicap (G1), where he finished fourth.

Earlier Monday, we learned that Richard Baltas has San Antonio runner-up Idol pointed to the Jan. 30 San Pasqual Stakes (G3), a stepping stone to the Santa Anita Handicap.

Read More

Head to Head: Clashing opinions on contentious Derby prep
The 1 1/16-mile Gun Runner Stakes kicks off the Fair Grounds’s road to Kentucky Derby 2026 prep series....
Santa Anita delays opening-day draw until Sunday
Santa Anita's draw for opening day next Friday will be held Sunday, a two-day delay. In a notice...
Friday works: Tommy Jo returns, leads 22 graded winners
Tommy Jo worked Friday morning for the first time since her fifth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile...
Kentucky Derby works: 3 in Vegas futures are on Friday tab
Three colts listed in Las Vegas futures for Kentucky Derby 2026  worked Friday morning. Boss Dylan , 66-1...
Speed figures: Thursday HRN top 10 + fastest maiden winners
Built led all performers Thursday with a 133 Horse Racing Nation speed figure in his return at Fair Grounds...