Square Eddie Uncorks Ancient Title Bullet

J. Paul Reddam’s Square Eddie, winner of the Grade I Breeders’ Futurity as a 2-year-old in 2008, worked six furlongs on Santa Anita’s main track Saturday in a bullet 1:11.20 for next Saturday’s Grade I Ancient Title Stakes at six furlongs.

Patrick Valenzuela, who was aboard for the drill, has the mount in the Ancient Title, trainer Doug O’Neill said.

Square Eddie, a 5-year-old Smart Strike horse, was seventh, beaten only four lengths, in the six-furlong Pirates Bounty at Del Mar last out on Sept. 7. It was his first race in six months and O’Neill expects the chestnut to move forward off that effort.

Santa Anita’s track record holder for six furlongs (1:06.98 on Dec. 27, 2010) The Factor looms an odds-on favorite in the Ancient Title. The gray son of War Front is a winner of four of six starts including the Grade I Pat O’Brien at Del Mar on Aug. 28.

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert said the lightning-quick colt is scheduled to have his final major breeze for the race on Monday.

Probable for the Ancient Title: Amazombie, Mike Smith; Mensa Heat, Joe Talamo; Square Eddie, Patrick Valenzuela; and The Factor, Martin Garcia.