April 30, 2024

Neptune’s Storm favored in American; Leggs Galore, Warren’s Showtime head Wilshire

Neptune's Storm wins the Hill Prince at Belmont Park 2019
Neptune's Storm wins the 2019 Hill Prince (G2) at Belmont Park (Coglianese Photos)

A pair of Grade 3 turf events, the $100,000 American S. and $100,000 Wilshire S., headline Sunday’s 11-race program at Santa Anita. A total of four stakes will be offered on the final day of winter/spring meet.

American (G3) – Race 7 (7:21 p.m. ET)

Multiple graded victor Neptune’s Storm, unraced since a fourth in the Tourist Mile S. at Kentucky Downs in September, has been installed as the 4-5 morning line choice in the six-horse American. Winner of the San Francisco Mile (G3) last season, the five-year-old gelding has been transferred to Peter Miller, and Flavien Prat picks up the assignment.

Shoemaker Mile (G3) third Restrainedvengence is a contender. A multiple stakes winner and second in the Del Mar Mile (G2) last season, the six-year-old gelding enters in good form for trainer and co-owner Val Brinkerhoff. Tyler Baze retains the mount.

Daytona (G3) runner Majestic Eagle may appreciate the stretch out to a mile in the American, and Border Town merits respect for Richard Mandella. Sash and Tiz Plus complete field.

Wilshire (G3) – Race 9 (8:28 p.m. ET)

After a one-two finish in the May 9 Fran’s Valentine S., Leggs Galore and Warren’s Showtime will square off again in the Wilshire. Eight distaffers are entered for the mile turf affair.

Leggs Galore, a winner in six of her last seven starts, including three restricted events for California-breds, will make her first graded attempt. Phil D’Amato trains the gray four-year-old, and Leggs Galore will show speed with Ricardo Gonzalez.

Warren’s Showtime finished a close third in the Buena Vista (G2) and Royal Heroine (G2) before her fast-closing second in the Fran’s Valentine. By Clubhouse Ride, the Craig Lewis-trained four-year-old filly will be rallying with Juan Hernandez.

Stela Star, unraced since a second a runner-up in the Honeymoon (G2) 12 1/2 months ago, will be running late with Flavien Prat. Chilean Group 1 winner Brooke, third when making her U.S. debut in the Jan. 18 Megahertz S., rates consideration after the freshening for Michael McCarthy.

Border Town, Majestic Eagle, Sash, and Tiz Plus round out the lineup.