On surface, Big ‘Cap is all about the track

Evidence of the Santa Anita Handicap’s rich tradition is reflected in winners such as Seabiscuit (1940 at age 7), Affirmed (1979), Spectacular Bid (1980), John Henry (1981 and ‘82) and Alysheba, who edged Ferdinand and Bill Shoemaker in 1988.

Santa Anita’s signature event began in 1935 and offered an astonishing $100,000 purse at a time when the country was in the midst of the Great Depression.

Generally, talk entering the race popularly known as the Big ‘Cap has been about the horses who will be running in it. But entering today’s 71st edition of the race, which has offered a $1-million purse since 1986, much of the talk is about the track.

That seems fitting. Rainouts, drainage problems, surface renovations and debates on the merits and/or flaws of synthetic tracks have been dominant topics. However, many of the track’s ailments have been cured, and the consensus has deemed it a good surface.

Track superintendent Richard Tedesco approached a reporter the other morning and said: “Hey, you haven’t been asking any more questions about the track’s condition, and that’s a good thing.”

However, for today’s four-stakes, 11-race card, one question remains: Will the track favor speed horses who like to run in front or closers who prefer to come from back in the pack?

The track was favoring speed horses before a five-day renovation Feb. 4 through 8. Now closers seem to have an edge.

Trainer Bob Baffert, who has a speed horse, Air Commander, in the Big ‘Cap, says he’s not sure what to expect.

“We’ll just have to see,” he said. “It seems to change from day to day.”

Such inconsistency has made it tough on handicappers.

“Because of the dry heat here, California tracks have always had a speed bias,” professional horse player Jimmy “The Hat” Allard said. “But this track doesn’t. Not now.

“It’s just very tough to handicap. The horses that have been winning are doing so on the outside. The inside is like quicksand. Horses just stop.

“I have a lot more confidence handicapping turf races than those on the main track. Look at all the pick-six carryovers. That tells you how tough it has been.”

There have been 17 carryovers through 40 days of racing this meet, an unprecedented number. There will be a guaranteed $1-million pick six on today’s final six races.

One reason the 14-horse field for the Big ‘Cap is considered wide open is because the 1 1/4 -mile race will be run on the main track. Awesome Gem is a mild 4-1 favorite.

Front-runners such as Monterey Jazz and Air Commander might fade, and a closer such as Great Hunter may have an advantage. But there are those who believe the track is not a big factor.

Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens said, “The best horse is going to win.”

The trainer with the best chance of winning the Big ‘Cap is Craig Dollase, who saddles Awesome Gem and Monterey Jazz. It could be a big day for Dollase. He also has undefeated 3-year-old El Gato Malo in today’s Grade III, $200,000 Sham Stakes. Also in that race is another Triple Crown candidate, Colonel John.

Today’s card also features the Grade I, $300,000 Frank E. Kilroe Mile on the turf course. This race features War Monger, winner of the Sunshine Millions Turf at Florida’s Gulfstream Park on Jan. 26.

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larry.stewart@latimes.com