Santa Anita Press
Baffert Looks Loaded For The Kentucky Derby..
ARCADIA, Calif. (March 14, 2020)–With apologies to Simon and Garfunkel, the Sound of Silence was indeed acutely surreal on Saturday at Santa Anita Park, as the legendary track went about the business of horse racing minus the public for the first time since its opening in December, 1934. With only credentialed media and licensed owners, trainers, jockeys, grooms and a smattering of track employees on hand, a total of eight races, including the Grade I Beholder Mile, were run without incident as the remainder of the nation’s sports and entertainment world for the most part, sat idle.
The day got off to an uneventful start, as the Vladimir Cerin-trained Time for Suzzie reported home on top by a half length. Ridden by apprentice Jorge Velez, the 4-year-old California-bred filly by Time to Get Even got seven furlongs over a main track listed as “good” in 1:24.75 and paid $13.40 to win on the 1/ST Bet and Xpressbet apps, as well as live streaming at santaanitapark.com.
With seven horses, a total of $260,400 was wagered on race one.
“As far as training, nothing’s really changed for us except the weather,” said Cerin, in reference to intermittent rain that has fallen the past few days. “I’m amazed our Trackman (Dennis Moore) is actually better than the Weather Service. This morning, I didn’t think there was any chance it wouldn’t be raining. So far, so good.”
Race two went to the Matt Chew-conditioned Silken Prince, who won by 4 ¼ lengths under Jose Valdivia, Jr., while getting 6 ½ furlongs on a track upgraded to “fast” in 1:16.31. Off at 5-1, he paid $13.60 to win.
“It feels eerie, coming down the stretch, not to hear the crowd,” said Valdivia.
One of five first time starters, the Mark Glatt-trained Big Sweep was heavily favored at even money in race three and won by 2 ¼ lengths while paying $4.00 to win. Ridden by Flavien Prat, she got six furlongs in 1:10.59.
Race four, run during a light drizzle, went to the Hector Palma-trained Kadesh. Ridden by Abel Cedillo, he won by 4 ¼ lengths while getting one mile in 1:38.87 and paid $5.80 to win.
Did this victory, garnered under quite unusual circumstances, hold any particular significance to Palma, who’s called the racetrack “home” for more than 60 years?
“It’s just one more, my friend.”
Flavien Prat got his second win on the day as he guided Adorably Sweet to a half length win in the fifth race. Trained by Mike Puype, the 4-year-old California-bred filly by Richard’s Kid got 6 ½ furlongs in 1:18.48. Off at 7-2, she paid $9.80 to win.
Race six showcased the performance of the afternoon, as Bob Baffert’s Derby hopeful Charlatan demolished his competition by 10 ¼ lengths while getting one mile under Drayden Van Dyke in 1:36.24. The 1-5 favorite, he paid $2.60 to win.
“Right now, we’re just glad they didn’t cancel (today’s races), cause we were going to go to Sunland Park,” said Baffert.
The seventh race, the Grade I, $400,000 Beholder Mile, went Bo Hirsch’s homebred Ce Ce, who beat heavily favored Hard Not to Love by 3 ¼ lengths. Trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by Victor Espinoza, Ce Ce paid $10.40 to win.
Saturday’s eighth and final race was taken by longshot Galwalksintoabar, which prompted track announcer Frank Mirahmadi to proclaim, “Galwalksintoabar is no joke…” Ridden by Van Dyke, who doubled on the day, she’s trained by Steve Miyadi and paid $21.20 to win.
With no on-track wagering, Saturday’s total pari-mutuel handle was $6,523,828.
Closed to the public until further notice due to local, state and national health decrees issued with regard to the coronavirus (COVID-19), wagering on Santa Anita’s races is available at brick and mortar satellite locations, Santa Anita’s 1/ST BET and Xpressbet apps.
Santa Anita’s races can be viewed live via its simulcast signal, online at CalRacing.com and on TVG, which is available via DirectTV 602, Spectrum/Time Warner 413, Dish 399 and other outlets.
First post time for an eight-race card on Sunday is at 1 p.m.
