LEWIS AND STRUB HEADLINE SANTA ANITA WEEKEND
A fine field of sophomore prospects will line up in one of four graded races this weekend at Santa Anita, in Saturday’s $200,000 Robert B. Lewis S. (G2). Rousing Sermon, second by a neck in the CashCall Futurity (G1) last time, is among the top draws in here for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. The Cal-bred has improved steadily throughout his career and smoked a half-mile in :47 2/5 to ready for this one.
Awaiting the possible favorite includes Grade 1 winner Liaison and smart allowance talent Sky Kingdom, both from the barn of Bob Baffert. The former is a rapidly improving colt who is bred to get better with age, and he could turn out to be the best this barn has right now. Sky Kingdom will likely be a later developing colt, but can’t be ignored right now with his talent and connections. Eddie Logan S. winner Chips All In and Empire Way, a full-brother to champion Royal Delta, also merit consideration in this spot.
Also on Saturday is the $200,000 Strub S. (G2) for four-year-old runners. Tapizar took the previous race in this series, the San Fernando S. (G2), and will be the one to catch in this spot for conditioner Steve Asmussen. The long-striding son of Tapit could evolve into a top handicap runner in 2012.
Awaiting him will likely be, among others, San Fernando second and third Balladry and Prayer for Relief, as well as Grade 1-winning returnee Jaycito and impressive recent allowance hero Thirtyfirststreet.
Saturday’s graded action is capped off by the $150,000 Arcadia S. (G2) on the lawn at one mile. The impressive Mr. Commons, who could be among the top turf performers in the U. S. before this season concludes, is the top draw here. Trained by John Shirreffs, the son of Artie Schiller surely looked the part in dominating the Sir Beaufort S. (G3) last out and will be tough on this day.
The Sunday centerpiece is the $200,000 San Antonio S. (G2), led by Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) runner-up Game on Dude. The Baffert trainee is a dual Grade 1 winner and loves to be in a dogfight. Chantal Sutherland will ride the son of Awesome Again.