Congaree, ‘Medaglia’ Get Same Weight

Congaree and Medaglia d’Oro, who will race against each other for the first time in the $1-million Santa Anita Handicap on Saturday, each were assigned 124 pounds for the track’s most famous race.

In his final serious prep for the 1 1/4-mile Grade I, Congaree -- owned by Bob and Janice McNair’s Stonerside Stable and trained by Bob Baffert -- had a six-furlong workout of 1:11 4/5 about 30 minutes prior to the first race Sunday.

With Jerry Bailey, who has been riding both horses, opting for Strub Stakes winner and the Bobby Frankel-trained Medaglia d’Oro, Baffert said Sunday that either Victor Espinoza or David Flores will be aboard Congaree.

Espinoza has never won the Big ‘Cap and Flores earned his only victory in the race with Siphon in 1997.

Five others are considered probable for the Handicap, including defending champion Milwaukee Brew, who was given 119 pounds.

The Richard Mandella-trained duo of Kudos (117) and Pleasantly Perfect (116), Sligo Bay (116) and Piensa Sonando (115) are also expected.

Julie Krone will have her first mount in the race aboard Kudos and Gary Stevens, who has won the Grade I three times, most recently with Urgent Request eight years ago, has the call on longshot Piensa Sonando. Edgar Prado will ride Milwaukee Brew, Alex Solis will handle Pleasantly Perfect and Sligo Bay will be ridden by Laffit Pincay, Jr.

The world’s winningest rider, Pincay hasn’t won the Santa Anita Handicap since a hard-fought victory aboard Greinton in 1986.

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Kafwain and Domestic Dispute, the top 3-year-olds in Baffert’s barn, had workouts Sunday morning.

Getting ready for the Louisiana Derby on March 9, Kafwain went seven furlongs in 1:25 and Domestic Dispute, who is expected to make his next start locally in the San Felipe Stakes on March 16, went six furlongs in 1:11 4/5.

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Making her stakes debut, Yell dominated her five foes in the $150,000 Davona Dale at Gulfstream Park.

Ridden by John Velasquez, the 5-1 fourth choice completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.96.

Ivanavinalot, the pacesetter and 19-10 second choice, finished second, then came Gold Player, Perfect Story and 3-2 favorite and previously unbeaten My Boston Gal.

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Buddy Gill, a 26-1 shot, gave trainer Jeff Mullins a 1-2 sweep in the $114,550 Baldwin Stakes at Santa Anita.

The 3-year-old Eastern Echo gelding rolled past stablemate and 9-1 shot King Robyn in the final furlong to win by three lengths under Gary Stevens. Buddy Gill completed the about 6 1/2 furlongs on turf in 1:12.56.

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Thanks to the Baldwin upset and earlier surprises by Timber Cruiser and Heaven’s Treat, there is a pick six carryover of $153,455 for Wednesday.