3 minute read

Starting with a race named in honour of Laffit Pincay Jr

It was Gr 2 over 1700m and provided an upset when J B Strikes 16/1 got the win ahead of Tarantino with American Admiral third at 20/1.  Express Train was the fourth home, under Luis Saez as his appointed jockey Hector Barrios was stuck in Chile waiting for a new passport which came a day too late to make it back for Opening Day.

The San Gabriel was a convincing win by favourite Johannes, who scored his 7th out of 7 Gr 1s at Santa Anita.  Mi Hermano Ramón was second, Seal Team 7/1 third and Easter not disgraced in fourth.

The Malibu Gr 1 saw much excitement surrounding Mystik Dan but the Kentucky Derby hero was not able to oblige.  He'd had to travel some 2,000 miles by van to get to Santa Anita and that may have taken the edge off him.  Instead it was Raging Torrent under Frankie Dettori who got the win over Stronghold with Imagination third. Bentornato was scratched.

The Mathis Mile was a cause for celebration as King of Gosford (by Zoustar) gave jockey Flavian Prat his 56th Graded race win for the year, breaking Jerry Bailey's record.  Stay Hot was second, but the winner looks a nice type and connections are hoping he can pick up a start in the Breeders' Cup.  Stennois was scratched.

The La Brea was another upset when Kopion 38/1 won.  In the preview the comments were he might possibly run a place but no way a win!  Splemdora was second and Sugar Fish 7/1 third, with Hope Road just out of the frame in fourth.

The American Oaks She Feels Pretty also feel pretty good about her win and certainly her trainer Cherie de Vaux did!  Kathymarissa ran well for second and Medoro was third so all placings in cue with the market.

Attendance and handle were very satisfactory so it augurs well for the rest of the meeting.