Oak Tree Meeting at Santa Anita : Ex-Claimer Olympic Prospect Wins in Breeders’ Cup Tuneup

Olympic Prospect, an escapee from the claiming ranks who has developed into a top-flight sprinter, warmed up Wedensday for the Breeders’ Cup by winning the $95,500 Ancient Title Handicap by 1 3/4 lengths over Sebrof at Santa Anita’s Oak Tree meeting.

After the race, trainer John Sadler said that Olympic Prospect should be the second choice to win the $1-million Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Churchill Downs on Nov. 5. Undefeated Mining, a New York horse, is expected to be the favorite.

Running 6 furlongs--the same distance as the Breeders’ Cup--Olympic Prospect was timed in 1:09 and paid $3.40 to win. It was the fifth straight win for the 4-year-old gelding, who was claimed by Sadler for $50,000 last year at Santa Anita.

“I think the horse got a little tired, but he had a right to,” said Laffit Pincay, who rode Olympic Prospect. “It was a super race for him. The Breeders’ Cup will be a tough race. The only thing that might bother him will be the long stretch.”

Sebrof finished 1 3/4 lengths ahead of Reconnoitering, and it was another 3 1/2 lengths back to Synastry in fourth place.