Shirreffs sets sights on elusive Big ’Cap win with Express Train

Arcadia, Calif.

Trainer John Shirreffs is in his 46th year training on the Southern California circuit and during that time one signature race has proven elusive: the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap.

In less than four weeks, that summit may finally be reached. Shirreffs reported Express Train, winner of Saturday’s San Pasqual (G2), was in fine fettle the day after winning his second straight graded stakes of the meet. It is now full steam ahead to the $650,000 Big ’Cap on March 5.

“He was very good this morning, very bright,” Shirreffs said of Express Train, who earned a 101 Beyer Speed Figure winning the 1 1/8-miles San Pasqual.

Express Train will head to the 1 1/4-mile Santa Anita Handicap as the top local hope after sweeping its two major preps at Santa Anita. Last month on opening day, Express Train used a late surge under Victor Espinoza to edge Grade 1 winner Hot Rod Charlie by a nose in the 1 1/16-mile San Antonio (G2).

Before Saturday, Express Train had been invited to run in the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) at Gulfstream Park. Shirreffs declined the offer, telling Horse Racing Nation at the time, “Express Train will be part of Santa Anita’s racing program. I have tried to support the track where my horses are stabled.”

While the San Pasqual carried nothing like the $3 million purse in the Pegasus, the decision to stay home did result in another $120,000 payday on Saturday for owner C R K Stable. Now, Shirreffs and Express Train will try and improve on last year’s near-miss in the Big ’Cap. In 2021, the now-5-year-old son of Union Rags was edged a half-length by winner Idol.

For Shirreffs, winning the Santa Anita Handicap will add to a sparkling resume that already includes major wins in the Kentucky Derby, Breeders’ Cup Classic and two Breeders’ Cup Distaffs, then known as the Ladies’ Classic.

Shirreffs started training in Southern California in 1976.

“It would mean a lot (to win). It’s the Santa Anita Handicap," Shirreffs said. “It’s the premier race at Santa Anita and the West Coast historically. It’s a big deal.”

Last year, Express Train also won the San Diego Handicap (G2) in addition to placing second in the Santa Anita Handicap and winning the San Pasqual. He was slated to contest the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar, but had to be withdrawn the week of the race when he injured a hock during a schooling session.