Talco Eyes Graded Glory in American Stakes

Talco steps up in pursuit of his third straight victory when he runs in Saturday’s Grade III American Stakes for 3-year-olds and up at one mile on turf.

The 4-year-old French-bred colt won an overnight race at one mile on grass March 12, and the restricted Thunder Road on April 4, also at a mile on turf.

“He’s doing really well,” said John Sadler, who trains the son of Pivotal for Hronis Racing LLC. “He had a very good, game win in the Thunder Road. We were delighted with it.

“This is a little tougher field, facing the sensational horse from South America (Bal a Bali). I know he’s pretty good, so this is kind of the next step up.”

As for Santa Anita Oaks winner Stellar Wind, fourth in the Kentucky Oaks on May 1, she came out of the race in good order and could run at Santa Anita late next month.

“She came back well, but we have no plans yet,” Sadler said. “She’s possible for the Summertime Oaks (June 20, Grade II, $200,000, 1 1/16 miles).”

The field: Enterprising, Gary Stevens, 12-1; War Academy, Corey Nakatani, 15-1; Winning Prize, Rafael Bejarano, 5-2; Gabriel Charles, Tyler Baze, 8-1; Talco, Victor Espinoza, 5-2; Little Jerry, Martin Pedroza, 20-1; Home Run Kitten, Joe Talamo, 5-1; and Bal a Bali, Flavien Prat, 9-5.

FINISH LINES: WELCOME BACK--Veteran jockey Scott Stevens, 54, who just wrapped up his seventh riding title with 104 wins at Turf Paradise, rode first-time starter Mint Julep Taffy to a third-place finish for trainer Molly Pearson in today’s third race, marking his first engagement at The Great Race Place “in at least 10 years.” . . . Jockey David Flores has been granted permission to resume riding by the California Horse Racing Board effective immediately. The 46-year-old native of Tijuana had been disqualified from participating in riding for one year by authorities in Singapore in late March.

Source: Santa Anita Park