Stevens Focused on Santa Anita Handicap

While much of the racing world is converging on the hype of the Santa Anita Handicap on March 8 that has commitments from the connections of superstars Mucho Macho Man, Will Take Charge and Game On Dude, the competitive focus of Gary Stevens understandably never wanes.

“A race like this is great for racing,” Stevens allowed, “but I have a mission to do. We’ll worry about our own horse.” That would be Mucho Macho Man, who defeated Will Take Charge by a nose with Stevens up in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita last Nov. 2.

Mucho Macho Man is a rarity in contemporary racing. A full horse at age six, he’s still competing at the highest level for trainer Kathy Ritvo and Finn Green, Racing Manager for owners Dean and Patti Reeves.

“We don’t see that often,” Stevens said. “He could be at stud right now but he’s developing into an even better horse. He’s had a great following since his 3-year-old year, running in all three Triple Crown races, and it’s even greater now.

“Touch wood, he’s sound and it’s just the start of the year. His team put a plan together last year that included Santa Anita, and then the thought of Dubai was considered, but now they’re back to their original plan with the good races here in California.

“A rivalry started on Breeders’ Cup Day with Will Take Charge and it looks like it’s going to continue in the Big ‘Cap.”