Best Pal Might Be Out Rest of Year

Best Pal, the Santa Anita Handicap winner and current leader in the American Championship Racing Series point standings, might be finished racing for the year because of a popped splint bone in his right front leg.

Trainer Gary Jones said Tuesday that it could be anywhere from six weeks to 2 1/2 months before the 4-year-old gelding could resume training.

“It depends on him and how the (treatment) goes,” Jones said. “Splints are a funny deal. There are no set rules with them, and you can’t start back too quick. The rest of the year is pretty much in jeopardy.”

Best Pal’s problem was discovered Monday morning, a day after he worked a half mile in 49 seconds. Jones noticed tenderness when the gelding jogged and found swelling in his right front leg.

Besides the Santa Anita Handicap, Best Pal, who is owned by John and Betty Mabee, also won the Charles H. Strub Stakes and San Fernando Stakes at Santa Anita before winning the Oaklawn Handicap. His only loss this year came in his last race, a fourth-place finish in the Pimlico Special on May 9.

Best Pal also is the Breeders’ Cup point leader among male horses with 36. Southland-based A.P. Indy, winner of Saturday’s Belmont Stakes, is second with 32.