Baffert has chances to end his California Cup drought
No trainer has won more California Cup races than Bob Baffert, but it has been a long time since his last victory.
Baffert has three chances to add to his seven Cal Cup triumphs and win his first since 1997 today at Santa Anita.
He will send out Da Stoops in the $150,000 Sprint, and Turquoise N Gold and Pirates Deputy in the $125,000 Juvenile.
A 3-year-old Distorted Humor colt, Da Stoops will be cutting back in distance today for his first start since he finished third behind Cindago and Bob And John in the El Cajon on Sept. 2 at Del Mar.
More comfortable around one turn, Da Stoops will break from the outside in the field of eight in the six-furlong Sprint as he aims for his third win at Santa Anita.
Baffert won the Sprint with Letthebighossroll in 1991.
Pirates Deputy, a 2-year-old Bertrando gelding, will be making his first start for Baffert after winning once in four starts at Emerald Downs in Washington. Owned by Terry Lanni and Bernie Schiappa, Pirates Deputy earned his maiden win in the Gottstein Futurity on Sept. 30.
Baffert has won the Juvenile three times, with Ebonair (1991), Cavonnier (1995) and Ex Marks The Cop (1997).
Juan Garcia and David Hofmans, each of whom has six Cal Cup wins, also have starters today. Garcia has Evanston in the $50,000 Starter Sprint and Tiz A Gem in the $150,000 Distaff. Hofmans will send out Hey Hey Renee in the $150,000 Matron.
Race of the day: Southern Africa, who ended an eight-race losing streak in the Ralph H. Hinds Invitational at Fairplex Park last month, will make his Keeneland debut in the $150,000 Fayette. Mark Guidry will ride the 4-year-old Cape Town colt for owners Al and Sandra Kirkwood and trainer Mike Puhich in the Grade III at 1 1/8 miles.
One for the road: Splendid Blended goes from route to sprint as she tries for her seventh lifetime win in the $150,000 First Flight Handicap today at Aqueduct. Eibar Coa will ride the 4-year-old Unbridled’s Song filly for owner-breeder Peter Vegso and trainer Bill Mott in the Grade II at seven furlongs.
Exotically speaking: A pick three using Wind Water and Mom Is Ready in the second; Phar To Win in the third; and Somethinaboutlaura and Yearly Attitude in the fourth.
Winners: (previous day/meet total): 3/73. Money: (previous day/meet total): $18.20/$399.40. Total money bet: $410.
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