Bayakoa Will Run Sunday Regardless of the Weather

Bayakoa, who could become the first filly or mare to win the Santa Anita Handicap, will run Sunday in the $1-million race regardless of the weather, trainer Ron McAnally said Friday.

McAnally had said previously that Bayakoa would run in the 1 1/4-mile race only if there was an off track.

“The weather is more encouraging, so either way, she’ll go,” McAnally said. “It’s going to be overcast and cooler, and that helps a hyperactive horse like her. I was as much concerned about the heat as I was about the rain.”

McAnally would still like to see a muddy track, which he figures would help both Bayakoa and Hawkster, another horse he is starting in the race.

Ten horses are entered in the 53rd Big ‘Cap, and Jeff Tufts, the Santa Anita line maker, has made Bayakoa a 3-1 favorite.

The field, in post-position order, with jockeys, weights and odds: Present Value, Eddie Delahoussaye, 119 pounds, 12-1; Hawkster, Pat Valenzuela, 123, 6-1; Bayakoa, Laffit Pincay, 122, 3-1; Lively One, Robbie Davis, 122, 6-1; Quiet American, Chris McCarron, 116, 4-1; Stylish Winner, Martin Pedroza, 113, 30-1; Flying Continental, Corey Black, 121, 6-1; Santangelo, Kent Desormeaux, 111, 30-1; Criminal Type, Alex Solis, 119, 5-1; Ruhlmann, Gary Stevens, 121, 12-1.