Racing! McKinzie out of Santa Anita Derby; Audible wins Florida Derby

Hello, my name is John Cherwa and welcome back to our horse racing newsletter as the biggest news is from a colt that didn’t race.

The big news on Saturday wasn’t Audible winning the Florida Derby but McKinzie scratching from the Santa Anita Derby.

Shortly after the running of the Dubai World Cup, won by Thunder Snow, trainer Bob Baffert said his star 3 year old suffered an unspecified back leg injury and will not race this Saturday.

“We don’t know if he did it in the stall or what because he was fine,” Baffert told the Daily Racing Form in Dubai. “They noticed he was a little bit off. He didn’t go to the track. The X-rays are clean. Ankles look good, hocks [looked good] – something came up high [on the leg] on the nuke scan. When he got back, he 100% jogged fine. I don’t know what it was, but we’re being very cautious. It’s day by day, week by week.”

This cancels the dream rematch of McKinzie and Bolt d’Oro, who had a classic stretch duel in the San Felipe Stakes three weeks ago. However, Justify, Baffert’s lightly raced and undefeated 3 year old, could be moved to the Santa Anita Derby. He is currently scheduled to run in the Arkansas Derby, the following week. Baffert will make the decision after Justify works on Monday.

It’s also unclear if McKinzie will be ready for the Kentucky Derby. He has 40 points, which is enough to make the starting field but it will be a two-month layoff unless Baffert has a soft spot to give him a run.

It was an exceptional day of racing on Saturday with Audible establishing himself with a convincing win in the Florida Derby and Thunder Snow upsetting West Coast to win the Dubai World Cup. (you can watch here) And Mendelssohn, made himself a Kentucky Derby contender with an 18 ¾ length win in the UAE Derby. (you can watch here) For a recap of all the big happenings of the day just click here.

My day at Gulfstream

Made my second trip of the year to Gulfstream on Saturday. I thought back to how much fun the Florida Derby used to be when it had the massive facility. But I’m also impressed by how they’ve been able to recapture that in the slimmed down racino atmosphere.

The Florida Derby is the people’s race, a mix of high-brow and common people. A t-shirt and shorts is as welcome as sports jacket and pants, but please no tie. I saw one gentleman in a pink sports jacket and lime green shorts, no socks, dress shoes. He seemed to be the perfect mix of the two, and, best of all, he didn’t look out of place.

Last year, I skipped the Florida Derby because I figured no one could come out of the race and win the Kentucky Derby, right? Uh, who goofed? It was me.

I remember two years ago, when Nyquist was running against Mohaymen in the Florida Derby. The fire marshals must have been looking the other way because there were so many people. You had to duck walk your way through the huge crowd. In fact, I bumped into Paul and Zillah Reddam, Nyquist’s owners, also cautiously wending their way through the crowd just trying to get to their suite.

And, again, no one seemed to mind.

Gulfstream has the best Winter meeting in the country, sorry Santa Anita. It seems as if there are a bunch of $100,000 stakes most every weekend. There are golf carts driving around to pick up people from all parts of the free parking lot. I couldn’t have parked more than 200 yards from the facility, took a few steps, and was offered a short ride to the front. I probably looked as if I couldn’t make that walk, but I could, honest. Just chose not to.

Now, I’ve never been to Gulfstream on a non-big day, where I’m guessing a lot of the action is in the casino. And, I do miss the makeshift tents and giant videoboards for those who couldn’t actually see the track. I miss seeing people lounging on the grass.

But, in this particular case, Gulfstream has flipped the equation that bigger is better. It’s a party and everyone is invited.

That’s not to say that I want to see Santa Anita squeeze down. Next Saturday, I hope to be duck walking my way around Santa Anita for what, without question, is a major Kentucky Derby prep. It has less luster now that McKinzie is out but if Baffert puts Justify in that spot, the interest could soar.

The 10-day weather forecast for Arcadia has next Saturday being sunny with a 10% chance of rain. If you haven’t been to Santa Anita on a big day, and I can’t imagine anyone reading this newsletter who hasn’t, it’s worth a try. Big days are, well, really big.

Special programming note

Los Alamitos is dark today because of Easter.

Santa Anita review

Baffert did win a stakes race on Saturday, but not the one he wanted the most. Dr. Dorr won the $75,000 Santana Mile by four lengths. Air Vice Marshall scratched, leaving it a field of four. The Lieutenant finished second and Clear The Mine was third. Cat Burglar completed the field.

Dr. Dorr paid $4.20 and $2.80. There was no show wagering.

Winning jockey Joe Talamo described the race as being under “cruise control.”

“We didn’t have any instructions today,” Talamo told Mike Willman of Santa Anita. “We just figured it out. He broke on top, relaxed down the backside and laid it down in the lane.”

Santa Anita preview

The favorite on Sunday’s Santa Anita card will likely be the girl in the cute pink dress or the boy with scraggly hair, collared shirt and shorts. Huh? I’m talking about the infield Easter egg hunt. As for the racing, not much to talk about. The whole racing industry takes a step back on Easter, as the holiday doesn’t exactly say, “Let’s go to the track.” In fact, Golden Gate, Gulfstream and Sunland Park are the only tracks besides Santa Anita that is running live racing. It’s even a weekend that NASCAR takes off from car racing.

Still, Santa Anita will be going with a nine-race card starting at 11:30 a.m. And, no kidding, there is a big Easter egg hunt in the infield. It’s dubbed the largest in the San Gabriel Valley.

Not sure what the feature is. It may be the fourth race, the $40,000 March Madness Starter Handicap for fillies and mares 4 and up over 1 1/8 miles on the turf. But there are four other races with bigger purses, two for $58,000 and one each at $56,000 and $54,000. The two for 58K are allowance/optional claimers and the other two are an allowance/optional claimer and a Cal-bred maiden special weight. There are four turf races, the first, fourth, sixth and ninth.

Nonetheless, here are the field sizes, in order: 8, 6, 8, 8, 8, 9, 10, 11, 11 (2 also eligible).

Big Races review

A look at graded stakes or races worth more $100,000 or more on Saturday.

Gulfstream: $125,000 Cutler Bay Stakes, 3 year olds, 1 mile on the turf. Winner: Therapist ($6.00 to win)

Gulfstream: $125,000 Sanibel Island Stakes, fillies 3 years old, 1 mile on the turf. Winner: Winner: Figarella’s Queen ($19.00)

Gulfstream: Grade 2 $300,000 Gulfstream Park Mile Stakes, 4 and up, 1 mile. Winner: Conquest Big E ($26.20)

Gulfstream: Grade 2 $250,000 Honey Fox Stakes, fillies and mares 4 and up, 1 mile on the turf. Winner: Lull ($8.60)

Gulfstream: Gulfstream Park Oaks, fillies 3 years old, 1 1/16 miles. Winner: Coach Rocks ($7.60)

Gulfstream: Grade 2 $250,000 Pan American Stakes, 4 and up, 1 1/12 miles on turf. Winer: Hi Happy ($6.80)

Oaklawn: $100,000 Rainbow Miss Stakes, 3 year olds, 6 furlongs. Winner: Georgia’s Rewards ($3.80)

Gulfstream: Grade 1 $1 million Florida Derby,3 year olds, 1 1/8 miles. Winner: Audible ($5.20)

Big races preview

A look at graded stakes or races worth more $100,000 or more on Sunday. All times PDT:

No big races today.

Bob Ike’s SA play of the day

NINTH RACE: No. 9 Bartlett Hall (6-1)

Sophomore gelding had excuses in his last pair (lugged in one race back, caught three-wide in previous) and should appreciate the drop into a high-priced maiden claimer after facing talented Fibonacci last time. He wants to be covered up early, so look for new rider Brice Blanc to employ those tactics.

Saturday result: Tiz Toffee got bet off the board (6-5) but didn't hit the board after a good trip in fifth race.

Bob Ike is a Partner/VP of Horsebills.com (here’s a video) and the proprietor of BobIkePicks.com (full-card picks, 3 Best Plays and betting strategy).

Final thoughts

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And now the stars of the show, Saturday’s results and Sunday’s entries.

JAY MAKES US LAUGH had good early speed and dueled a bit off the rail, inched away and angled in a half mile out, set the pace inside and won clear under a tap of the whip a sixteenth out and vigorous hand ride until the final stages. RICK'S DREAM saved ground stalking the pace, came a bit off the rail past midstretch and was clearly second best. TWIRLING TIGER broke in a bit and bobbled slightly, stalked just off the rail, continued between horses on the turn and three deep into the stretch and edged rivals for third between foes late. GO GHETTO stalked outside then three deep on the turn and into the stretch and was edged for the show. LEVITATION was in a good position stalking the winner off the rail then between foes leaving the backstretch, continued off the rail on the turn and four wide into the stretch and weakened. ROCKY'S SHOW prompted the pace outside the winner then stalked on the turn, dropped back between foes leaving the turn, drifted inward in midstretch then drifted out late and gave way. MILTON FREEWATER broke slowly, settled off the rail, dropped back in the stretch and had little left for the drive.

TEMPLE KEYS between foes early, stalked off the rail then outside a rival, went three deep leaving the second turn and four wide into the stretch, bid three wide under urging in midstretch, gained a short lead in deep stretch and held gamely. CROWN THE KITTEN bumped at the break, saved ground chasing the pace, came out in upper stretch and again in midstretch and closed willingly. SECRETO PRIMERO three deep early, stalked outside a rival then off the rail, came out some into the stretch, bid between foes, put a head in front past midstretch, fought back in deep stretch and held third. BOURBON SOUL saved ground stalking the pace, came out a bit into the stretch, waited off heels in midstretch, came out for room and finished with interest but was edged for the show. CARDIAC had speed outside then angled in, set the pace inside, came a bit off the rail into the stretch, fought back in the drive and was edged for a minor award. SUNNY KAT stalked the pace inside, cut the corner into the stretch, bid inside in the drive and weakened late. BUYMEABOND chased outside a rival then between foes on the second turn, came three deep into the stretch, drifted in some in the final furlong and did not rally. LANDWADE LAD (GB) broke in and bumped the runner-up, chased outside that one then three deep into and on the second turn and four wide into the stretch, drifted in some in midstretch, was pulled up and vanned off.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT had good early speed and dueled inside, inched away under urging in midstretch and held on gamely. VEGAS ITCH saved ground stalking the pace, came out leaving the second turn and three deep into the stretch, was three wide in midstretch and finished willingly but could not catch the winner. WILLISTON DUDE had speed between horses then dueled three deep until nearing midstretch and bested the others. SPEND IT also had speed between horses then dueled between foes, fought back into the stretch and weakened some in the final furlong. SON OF THE SOUTH saved ground chasing the pace throughout and did not rally. DEFENSE MINISTER five wide into the first turn, stalked outside then three deep, continued outside on the second turn and also lacked a rally. ROYAL SEEKER four wide into the first turn, chased outside a rival or off the rail, came three wide into the stretch and weakened. DIXIE RIVAL hopped slightly in a bit of a slow start, pulled five wide into the first turn, angled in and settled off the rail and had little left for the stretch.

DR. DORR had speed inside then inched away on the first turn, set all the pace along the rail, was pushed along some to open up in midstretch and drew clear under moderate hand ride and a long hold late. THE LIEUTENANT angled in on the first turn and saved ground stalking the pace, cut the corner into the stretch, continued along the inside and gamely edged a rival for the place. CLEAR THE MINE had speed outside the winner then stalked a bit off the rail, was between foes leaving the backstretch and again leaving the second turn and into the stretch and was edged for second. CAT BURGLAR stalked outside a rival then three deep leaving the backstretch and on the second turn and into the stretch and weakened.

ANIMOSITY stalked off the rail then outside, continued four wide leaving the hill and into the stretch, gained the lead and inched away while drifting in some from the whip, drifted out from left handed urging in deep stretch and held gamely. VEGAS PALM chased outside a rival then three deep leaving the hill and four wide into the stretch and closed willingly. UNCHAINING MELODY (GB) hopped slightly in a bit of a slow start, saved ground chasing the pace, bid inside in deep stretch and edged rivals for the show. INTO GLAMOUR had speed between horses then stalked off the rail, angled in some leaving the hill, was three wide in deep stretch and was edged for third. TIZ TOFFEE had good early speed four wide then stalked off the inside, continued outside leaving the hill and four wide into the stretch and was outfinished. BALADERA dropped back outside then settled outside a rival, came three wide into the stretch and found her best stride late. SHEZA FACTOR dueled between horses then outside a rival down the hill, came out some into the stretch and weakened in the final furlong. NO WINE UNTASTED had speed just off the rail to duel for the lead, battled inside leaving the hill, was between horses in midstretch and also weakened in the final furlong. INTERNATIONAL DIVA (IRE) chased off the inside then outside a rival, was between foes leaving the hill, came out into the stretch and lacked a rally. DEL MAR BABE hopped in a slow start, saved ground off the pace throughout and was not a factor. GARRULOUS GAL angled in and stalked inside, continued along the rail leaving the hill and into the stretch and weakened. Rail on hill at zero.

FIRE TO THE WIRE lunged some at the start, went up inside to duel for the lead, inched away off the rail under some urging in the stretch and proved best. INFORMALITY had speed four wide then stalked off the rail, came three deep into the stretch and was clearly second best. LIBERTY JACK chased off the inside then outside a rival on the turn, came out into the stretch and gained the show. RUN LIKE RHETT settled outside then three deep leaving the turn and into the stretch, drifted in through the final furlong and lacked a rally. CHRISISCOOKIN dueled between horses then outside the winner to the stretch and weakened.s. MARVELOUS MAX saved ground off the pace, came out leaving the turn and into the stretch, angled back inside in midstretch and did not rally. SUMMER BUDDHA between horses early, stalked off the rail, angled in on the turn and weakened. STATES HERO between horses early, settled outside a rival, came out into the stretch and lacked a further response.

LIGHTNING DOVE chased just off the rail then between horses leaving the hill, came out four wide into the stretch, rallied under urging in the final furlong and got up four wide on the line. GOTHAM DESIRE pulled her way along to stalk the pace inside, came out into the stretch, bid between horses in deep stretch and continued gamely. TIZANILLUSION had good early speed and dueled inside, inched away under urging in midstretch, fought back in deep stretch and held for a share of third. BEAU SQUARE pressed the pace three deep then stalked outside a rival leaving the hill, came three wide into the stretch, re-bid between horses in deep stretch and also shared the show. WAR MOCCASIN saved ground chasing the pace, came out nearing the dirt crossing and three wide into the stretch and was outfinished. SALTEN SAPITY dueled between horses then outside a rival down the hill and into the stretch and weakened late. PERSISTENCE (IRE) a bit slow to begin, settled off the rail then angled in leaving the hill, continued inside into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. GLORIOUS HOUR stalked outside then four wide leaving the hill and into the stretch and weakened. DEMIGODDESS chased off the rail then outside foes, angled to the inside nearing the stretch and also weakened. RUBY TRUST chased off the rail then between foes on the hill, angled in outside a rival into the stretch and also weakened. Rail on hill at zero.

BITTE sped to the early lead, set the pace a bit off the rail then kicked clear inside on the turn and drew off in the stretch without encouragement. MAGICAL MORE broke a bit slowly, settled just off the rail then inside on the turn, continued along the rail in the stretch and gained the place. TRUE RANGER also broke a bit slowly, chased inside, came out into the stretch and got up for the show three deep on the line. PAMPERS N' BOOTS stalked three deep then outside a rival on the turn and into the stretch and was edged for third between foes late. UPPERCLASSMAN close up stalking the winner between horses then a bit off the rail on the turn and into the stretch, was between foes again in deep stretch, drifted in late and was edged for a minor award. BIG HEARTED saved ground stalking the pace, fell back on the turn and into the stretch and weakened. AMODEI broke out and a bit slowly, chased off the rail, came three wide into the stretch and had little left for the drive.

INFURIATED GARY broke a bit slowly, saved ground off the pace, moved up inside in the stretch and rallied along the rail under urging to get up nearing the wire. TREASURE HUNTER sped to the early lead, set the pace off the rail, dueled outside a rival on the turn, inched away again into the stretch, kicked clear and was caught late. HONEYMOONZ OVER stalked outside then three deep into and on the turn, came four wide into the stretch and edged foes for third five wide on the line. LUKE'S ON FIRE chased three deep then outside a rival, went between foes into and on the turn and three wide into the stretch and was edged for the show four between foes. ELEVATED KNIGHT stalked outside a rival then just off the rail, came three wide into the stretch and split foes on the line. LOLLY EXPRESS saved ground chasing the pace, came a bit off the rail in the stretch and was outfinished for a minor award between foes. JIMMYTHISNJIMTHAT off a bit slowly, stalked inside then bid along the rail on the turn, came a bit off the fence in the stretch then drifted in late. JOERAY bobbled at the start, saved ground chasing the pace, came a bit off the inside into and on the turn and lacked a rally. EL ASESINO broke a bit slowly, settled outside then alongside a rival, came out some in the stretch and did not rally.

EL TOVAR stalked off the rail then three deep or outside a rival, came out in the stretch, bid three deep in midstretch, gained the lead under urging in deep stretch and proved best. KENNY BENNY sped to the early lead, set the pace off the rail then dueled outside a rival, battled between foes in midstretch and edged a foe for the place. PREACHER ROE stalked inside then bid along the rail to duel for the lead, took a short advantage a sixteenth out but was outgamed for second. KINGS RIVER KING stalked four wide then three deep, angled in outside a rival leaving the hill and lacked the needed rally. DR. TROUTMAN stalked between horses then a bit off the rail, angled in midway on the hill and could not summon the needed late kick. IBON chased between rivals then a bit off the rail, angled in leaving the hill, came out some in the stretch and did not rally. GREEN WITH EDDIE chased outside then four wide midway on the hill, angled in outside a rival leaving the hill and lacked a rally. ALSATIAN stalked between horses then outside, came three wide into the stretch and lacked the necessary response. CLOSING TIME settled between horses, steadied at the spill midway on the hill and lacked a response in the stretch. NAP LAJOIE broke a bit slowly, saved ground off the pace, also steadied at the spill midway on the hill and failed to menace. MOSTLY CLOUDY settled three deep, also steadied at the spill on the hill and weakened. LORD ADMIRAL bobbled some at the start, chased inside, was in tight, steadied and lost the rider midway on the hill. The stewards conducted an inquiry in the spill on the hill but made no change when they ruled the videotape was inconclusive. Rail on hill at zero. HAND TIMED.