TRIO OF GRADE 2 EVENTS AT SANTA ANITA
Saturday’s $150,000 San Fernando S. (G2) kicks off the graded races at Santa Anita this weekend. This first leg of the Strub Series for four-year-old runners will be run at 1 1/16 miles, and looks to be attracting a solid field. Tapizar, fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, could be the one to beat in here for trainer Steve Asmussen. The bay colt was a fine winner of the 2011 Sham S. (G3) on this oval and looms large with his best.
His main danger could come from trainer Bob Baffert and multiple stakes winner Prayer for Relief. The dark bay son of Jump Start came to hand with a pair of Grade 2 conquers late last year, and has trained forwardly on this dirt oval. Stakes hero Irish Art has never raced on the dirt but has a ton of ability and might be worth a look for the hot Carla Gaines barn. Balladry, an allowance winner on this strip two prior, is also pointing towards this event.
Sunday plays host to the $150,000 Santa Ynez S. (G2) for sophomore fillies at 6 ½ furlongs. Among the top nominees are Oak Leaf S. (G1) runner-up Candrea, dual stakes heroine Lady of Fifty, recent Mocassin S. romper Made to Love Her, fine debut winner Reneesgottozip and the unbeaten Rowdy Gal.
The Holiday feature is the $150,000 San Gabriel S. (G2) on the lawn. This race could mark the comeback of multiple Grade 1 turf hero The Usual Q T. The James Cassidy charge wasn’t himself in 2011, but got a nice rest and would not surprise in here. Multiple stakes winner Norvsky and Citation H. (G2) star Jeranimo look like the top draws in that fine event.