Honor A.P., a leading contender for the Santa Anita Derby, continues to train well for Santa Anita’s marquee three-year-old event on April 4, offering 100 qualifying points to the 146th Kentucky Derby Sept. 5.
“He came out of the San Felipe really well,” said trainer John Shirreffs, referring to the ridgling’s second behind unbeaten Authentic in the Grade II event on March 7. “We’re pointing for the Santa Anita Derby.”
Authentic, too, is set to run in the Grade I, $1 million Santa Anita Derby at 1 1/8 miles, thus forming the likelihood of an appealing rematch.
Authentic, an Into Mischief colt trained by Bob Baffert, led throughout the San Felipe with Drayden Van Dyke aboard, winning by 2 ¼ lengths under a long hold.
Honor A.P., a son of Honor Code, was making his first start in five months, so Shirreffs was pleased considering the circumstances. “He ran really great,” the trainer said. “I was very happy with him.”
Via Santa Anita Barn Notes
