Santa Anita news: Mandella catches Kentucky Derby 'fever'

Trainer Richard Mandella, not known for unabashed enthusiasm when it comes to championing his own horses, admittedly has a touch of Kentucky Derby fever these days, a month and a week before May 4 race at Churchill Downs.

Reason No. 1: Omaha Beach, a striking 3-year-old son of War Front who handed champion Game Winner his first defeat in the second division of the Rebel Stakes (G2) on March 16. Reason No. 2: Extra Hope, a 3-year-old son of Shanghai Bobby who was fourth in the first division of the Rebel, beaten only 3 ½ lengths.

“Omaha Beach will go in the Arkansas Derby, mainly because I think he needs that extra week,” said Mandella, who has saddled six previous Kentucky Derby starters. "Extra Hope is being pointed to the Santa Anita Derby."

Mike Smith will ride Omaha Beach, while Drayden Van Dyke has picked up the assignment on Extra Hope.

“I’m very proud of Omaha Beach. He got me pretty excited. At this point, you could say both horses have given me Derby Fever.”

Fans will be treated to a stakes overload on April 6, with seven added money events worth $2,750,000 on the calendar, topped by the $1 million Santa Anita Derby and the $600,000 Santa Anita Handicap (G1). First post is noon PT.

AMPUTATION DOESN’T SLOW DOWN AGENT OSBORNE

Popular jockey agent Dudley Osborne is back in action following a lengthy respite due to the amputation of his left foot in June of last year. 

He is representing veteran Frenchman Brice Blanc.

“Brice has a good head on his shoulders, doesn’t have to fight weight, is professional and understands the game,” said Osborne, who wears a prosthetic that masks any hint of his loss until he lifts his pant leg to reveal it.

“We’re getting good feedback from horsemen,” Osborne said. “Everybody knows Brice has a very light pair of hands and he’s a great judge of pace.  Plus, he’s a first class guy and handles himself well with everyone. John Shirreffs says Brice is fearless and doesn’t mind riding in tight spots.”

Osborne had no signs of any problems with his foot until he discovered a wound on the top of it, which ultimately led to the amputation.

He may not make the rounds on the backstretch as readily as before, but his positive attitude doesn’t prevent him from still walking and talking at the same time.

FINISH LINES: Ron Anderson, agent for Joel Rosario, reports his jockey returns from Dubai on Sunday and will ride at Santa Anita that day “and on April 6 and 7, and after that be riding in Kentucky and New York.” ... Jockey Martin Garcia, recovered from a recent injury, resumes his career in Friday’s eighth race on Mr Classical. Garcia is represented by agent Tom Knust, who also will handle business for Bay Area mainstay Abel Cedillo at Del Mar this summer.