Santa Anita Derby

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

This year’s edition of the Santa Anita Derby (G1) may not have the most
accomplished group of runners, but its large purse and graded status probably
will propel at least two sophomores toward the May 5 Kentucky Derby (G1). To us,
it’s a coin toss between the two Todd Pletcher trainees — KING OF THE ROXY
(Littleexpectations) and SAM P. (Cat Thief). In addition, the Northern
California shipper BWANA BULL (Holy Bull) could be a player.

King of the Roxy was well seasoned at two. He finished a close second to the
ill-fated Chace City in the Saratoga Special S. (G2), won the
Futurity S. (G2) despite a wide trip, then was severely compromised during the
early stages of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1). In his three-year-old debut,
the dark bay broke well, then dropped back and settled nicely on the outside in midpack in the Hutcheson S. (G2) at Gulfstream Park. He advanced quickly from
the outside near the three-eighths pole, took the lead without too much concern
turning for home, then drew off impressively while recording a 2 1/4-length
victory in the 7 1/2-furlong event. Moreover, he galloped out with interest.
King of the Roxy will be making just his second start around two turns in the
Santa Anita Derby, and he should prove to be one tough customer.

Sam P. closed out his juvenile season with a troubled, 2 1/4-length victory
over the well-regarded Chelokee (Cherokee Run), who most recently finished third
in the Florida Derby (G1). The chestnut began this season with a non-threatening
fourth-place effort in the Holy Bull S. (G3), then finished a good second to
Great Hunter (Aptitude) in the Robert B. Lewis S. (G2) at this venue. In the
Lewis, Sam P. broke forwardly and was hung three-wide around the first turn. He
was the clear, third-place stalker in the run down the backstretch, edged closer
from the outside around the second turn, then checked off heels from between
horses in midstretch, before finishing well. Sam P. adds blinkers, which could
sharpen him up, and is well drawn near the inside for a more ground-saving trip.

Bwana Bull, trained by NoCal kingpin Jerry Hollendorfer, has won four of his
last five starts around two turns, including the California Derby and, most
recently, the El Camino Real Derby (G3). In the latter, he rallied three-wide
around the second turn while under a drive, took the lead while being kept to
his task in deep stretch, then held sway by one length before galloping out in
good order. Bwana Bull projects an inside, forwardly placed trip, and should be
in striking distance once again on the far turn. He should be respected for a
top-three placing.

After breaking his maiden for a $50,000 tag, COURT THE KING (Doneraile Court)
was sold privately. In his first start for trainer John Sadler, the bay gelding
was a good-looking allowance winner around two turns here. In his next and most
recent start, the El Camino Real Derby, he settled at the back of the field,
advanced quickly from the outside near the three-eighths pole, continued
four-wide turning for home, then diminished late, checking in fourth, beaten 4
1/2 lengths. Court the King picks up significant weight, but could improve, and
is our sleeper special.

The Doug O’Neill-trained LIQUIDITY (Tiznow), who was a close runner-up in the
Hollywood Futurity (G1), finished a good second to Ravel
(Fusaichi Pegasus) in the nine-furlong Sham S. (G3) at this venue in early
February. In his next and most recent outing, he broke to the lead, settled into
a perfect stalking position behind pacesetter Ketchikan (Mr. Greeley) in the run
down the backstretch, was set down midway around the far turn, then faded to
sixth, beaten 7 1/2 lengths, in the Louisiana Derby (G2). As a non-stakes
winner, and with plenty of other speed present, Liquidity could be vulnerable at
short odds.

BOUTROUS (Tiznow), named for the former United Nations Secretary General, was
a troubled, but a well-beaten second as the favorite to Bwana Bull in the Cal
Derby. The dark bay lagged at the back of the field before picking up some
pieces late and finishing a non-threatening fourth in the Lewis. Our concern is
that his only two career wins have taken place on the Cushion Track surface at
Hollywood Park, but Boutrous is a decent closer who could earn a minor share.

TIAGO (Pleasant Tap), a half-brother to 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo,
advanced along the inside going into the far turn, was blocked in upper stretch,
then offered no response when clear before running a distant seventh in the
Lewis. He has yet to cross the finish line first (he was awarded his maiden
victory via disqualification) and would be a surprise for all the money. LEVEL
RED (Aptitude) pressed Illinois Derby (G2) entrant Cobalt Blue (Golden Missile)
during much of the San Felipe S. (G2) before finishing a one-paced third. He
adds blinkers, which figure to sharpen his speed, but is hard to recommend
against some of these. The speedy BLACK SEVENTEEN (Is It True) set fast
fractions before holding on well for third to Bay Shore S. (G3) entrant Les
Grands Trois (Officer) in a 6 1/2-furlong allowance race last out. He figures to
set the early pace and take this field as far as he can. He is worth a small
saver at large odds. Earlier this year, MEDICI CODE (GB) (Medicean) won three
races in a 10-day span on all-weather surfaces in England. That was against far
lesser competition, so he could be in for a rude awakening in this spot.