Field Will Try to Rally Against Imperialism

There is no doubt about which is the most accomplished horse at seven furlongs entering the $150,000 San Carlos Handicap today at Santa Anita.

Imperialism, a 5-year-old gray son of Langfuhr, has won all three of his starts at the distance, which is one more victory than his seven opponents have combined.

Trained by Kristin Mulhall for owner Steve Taub, Imperialism will be making his first start since two off-the-board finishes in New York ended his 2005 campaign. He finished eighth in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on Oct. 29, then was 10th of 11 in the Cigar Mile at Aqueduct about four weeks later.

Freshened since, Imperialism has trained well for his return over a track where he has had success.

In six starts in Arcadia, Imperialism has two wins and two seconds. One of his victories came in the 2004 San Vicente Stakes at the San Carlos distance. He was second to Castledale in the Santa Anita Derby that year and was also the runner-up, beaten by a nose by Rock Hard Ten, in the 2005 Strub.

“He’s doing great,” Mulhall said. “He likes Santa Anita and I think he’s going to run his race.

“I thought he ran better than it looked in the Breeders’ Cup. Six furlongs is not his best distance and he was flying at the end and galloped out in front past the wire. In the Cigar Mile, he just didn’t show his best stuff. [Jockey] Jose [Valdivia Jr.] said he was slipping on the track.

“But he’s training really good now and his coat has improved and he’s gained some weight since coming back from New York. I think he’ll be tough.”

Imperialism isn’t the only comebacker in the San Carlos. Surf Cat, who has been first or second in seven of eight starts, will be making his first appearance since he won an allowance race last Oct. 10. Also, Congrats, runner-up in the 2005 Santa Anita Handicap, will be making his first start since finishing eighth in the Pacific Classic last Aug. 21 at Del Mar.

Completing the field are Ulistentome, Brand Name, Oceanus, Jet West and Major Success, the winner of last month’s Palos Verdes Handicap.

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The San Carlos, a Grade II, is the first of four stakes races over the holiday weekend at Santa Anita.

The two added-money races on Sunday are the $125,000 Sensational Star Handicap for older California-breds and the $75,000 Daytona Handicap for older horses. Both races are at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf.

The main event Monday is the $150,000 Buena Vista Handicap, a Grade II for fillies and mares at one mile on the grass.

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A.P. Warrior, who finished fourth as the favorite in the El Camino Real Derby at Bay Meadows on Jan. 29, has been transferred to the barn of trainer John Shirreffs, who won last year’s Kentucky Derby with 50-1 longshot Giacomo. The 3-year-old son of A.P. Indy, who is owned by Stan Fulton, was previously trained by Eoin Harty.

Purchased for $1.3 million as a yearling, A.P. Warrior has two wins in six starts. His best finish in a stakes is a second behind Brother Derek in the Norfolk last fall.

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Borrego, who rose to prominence with consecutive victories in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar and the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park before flaming out in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, won’t run in the $1-million Santa Anita Handicap on March 4.

The 5-year-old had been scheduled to make his first start of 2006 in the ‘Big Cap but missed some training because of illness and could instead return in the $500,000 Oaklawn Handicap in Hot Springs, Ark., on April 8.

As many as 10 horses are possible for the 1 1/4 -mile Santa Anita Handicap, headed by San Pasqual and Strub winner High Limit. Others under consideration are Magna Graduate, Giacomo, Top This And That, Wilko, Texcess, Spellbinder, With Distinction, Lava Man and Marenostrum.

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At its monthly meeting on Thursday, the California Horse Racing Board approved a proposal to require that all the major thoroughbred tracks in California approve a Polytrack-like surface by the end of 2007.

Before the proposal can be finalized, it must go through a 45-day period of public notice for input from the industry and the general public.

Polytrack, which is used at Turfway Park in Kentucky, is considered to be much safer than traditional surfaces.