A.P. Warrior Goes in Oak Tree Derby

A.P. Warrior, a winner in his first start on turf in the La Jolla Handicap on Aug. 12 at Del Mar, will try for another grass victory in the $150,000 Oak Tree Derby today at Santa Anita.

Owned by Stan Fulton and trained by John Shirreffs, the 3-year-old A.P. Indy colt won by a nose over Porto Santo in the La Jolla, a Grade II, after he had won three of 11 on the main track.

Purchased for $1.3 million as a yearling at the Keeneland September sale in 2004, A.P. Warrior will have only five opponents in the Derby, a Grade II at 1 1/8 miles, and will break from the inside under jockey David Flores.

The one he has to fear most is Obrigado. A gelded son of Enrique trained by Neil Drysdale, Obrigado won the second division of the Oceanside Stakes on July 19 at Del Mar, then was second to Get Funky in the Del Mar Derby on Sept. 3. Alex Solis will ride Obrigado, a French-bred who has won four of 11.

The derby cast is completed by Refinery, Potential, Icy Ridge and Dark Islander, an Irish-bred making his U.S. debut.

Race of the day: Behaving Badly, who has won nine of 12, will seek her first win at Keeneland in the $300,000 Thoroughbred Club America today. A New York-bred daughter of Pioneering, Behaving Badly will have eight opponents in the Grade III at six furlongs. Victor Espinoza will ride.

One for the road: Margeds Delred gets a boost in class in the fourth race today at Golden Gate Fields. Francisco Duran will ride the 4-year-old Red filly, who whipped $4,000 claimers by 10 lengths Sept. 16, in a $12,500 claimer at 1 1/16 miles.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Angel Eyed and Runaway Rosie in the fourth; Turnbolt and Arson Squad in the fifth; and Skyros, Dell Place and Master Heat in the sixth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 4/51. Money: (previous day/meet total): $19.40/$278.60. Total money bet: $240.

bob.mieszerski@latimes.com