Brant returns for first race since Breeders’ Cup, Benoit Photo
Santa Anita Park Press
ARCADIA, CA —Grade I winner Brant makes his first start since the Breeders’ Cup and unbeaten So Happy gets his first test around two turns in the Grade II San Felipe Stakes for 3-year-olds going 1 1/16 miles at Santa Anita. The San Felipe, which awards qualifying points to the Kentucky Derby, is part of a blockbuster 11-race card at Santa Anita that also includes the Grade I Santa Anita Handicap, Grade I B. Wayne Hughes Beholder Mile and Grade II Frank E. Kilroe Mile on turf.
Trained by Bob Baffert, Brant finished third in the 1 1/16-mile Breeders’ Cup Juvenile after setting the early pace on Oct. 31 at Del Mar. It was his first defeat in three starts and first-time racing around two turns. Previously, Brant won his debut at 5 ½ furlongs in August and then won the GI Del Mar Futurity going seven furlongs in September.
Brant, by Gun Runner, was purchased for $3 million at last year’s OBS March sale of 2-year-olds in training. He is owned by Zedan Racing Stable. Set to ride Brant for the first time is Florent Geroux, who recently moved his tack full time to Santa Anita.
So Happy is a perfect 2-for-2 for trainer Mark Glatt. After a debut win going 6 ½ furlongs in November at Del Mar, So Happy came back to be a clear winner of the GII San Vicente going seven furlongs on Jan. 10 at Santa Anita. He is a son of 2015 champion sprinter Runhappy out of So Cunning, a daughter of 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Blame.
Purchased for $150,000 at last year’s OBS March sale, So Happy is owned by Norman Stables and Saints or Sinners. He’ll be ridden by Hall of Famer Mike Smith, who was also aboard for both previous victories.
Secured Freedom, trained by Tim Yakteen, most recently finished third in the GIII Robert B. Lewis going one mile. The Lewis was his first time facing winners and first time racing around two turns. Previously, Secured Freedom broke his maiden going 6 ½ furlong on Dec. 28 at Santa Anita when making his second start.
By Practical Joke, Secured Freedom was a $110,000 auction buy as a yearling. He is owned by Leslie A. Amestoy, Pierre Jean Amestoy Jr. and Roger K. Beasley.
Baffert’s other runner in the field is Potente, who was purchased by owner Speedway Stable for $2.4 million at the 2024 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling sale. He debuted Jan. 31 at Santa Anita going six furlongs and won by a neck. By Into Mischief, Potente will have Juan Hernandez aboard.
THE GRADE II SAN FELIPE STAKES WITH JOCKEYS & WEIGHTS IN POST POSITION ORDER
Race 8 of 11 – Approximate post time 3:30 p.m. PT
- Flashy Fritz—Adrian Escobedo—120
- Start the Ride—Armando Ayuso—122
- Secured Freedom—Kazushi Kimura—120
- Brant—Florent Geroux—120
- Potente—Juan Hernandez—120
- So Happy—Mike Smith—120
- Robusta—Emisael Jaramillo—120
First post Saturday is 12 p.m. PT.
