Sham

Jan 03, 2020

A field of six newly turned sophomores will vie at Santa Anita on Saturday in the $100,000 Sham Stakes (G3). The “2020 Road to the Kentucky Derby” tilt is the second points race of 2020, with a 10-4-2-1 structure rewarding the top-four finishers.

AUTHENTIC
Total 1 start(s)
Wins:
1
Place:
0
Show:
0
Top Speed Rating:
91 in debut tally at Del Mar
Total Earnings:
$31,200
Owner:
Starlight Racing et al’s
Breeder:
Bob Baffert
Trainer:
Peter E Blum Thoroughbreds, LLC
Jockey:
Drayden Van Dyke
Sire:
Into Mischief
Dam:
Flawless
Color:
Bay

This son of Into Mischief was sharp on debut with a nice tally while sprinting at Del Mar. The $350,000 yearling purchase is bred to handle the trip, and he shows seven morning drills to ready for his stakes debut. Trained by Bob Baffert, the fine prospect breaks from the rail under Drayden Van Dyke.

ZIMBA WARRIOR
Total 5 start(s)
Wins:
1
Place:
0
Show:
3
Top Speed Rating:
82 when third in Bob Hope Stakes (G3)
Total Earnings:
$43,911
Owner:
Cynthia and Charles Marquis
Breeder:
Keith Desormeaux
Trainer:
Stonehedge, LLC
Jockey:
Jose Valdivia, Jr.
Sire:
Khozan
Dam:
Slick and True
Color:
Chestnut

Improving son of Khozan is the most experienced runner in the field for Keith Desormeaux. The Florida-bred chestnut finished third in both the Bob Hope Stakes (G3) and Sunny Slope Stakes in advance of the Sham. Jose Valdivia, Jr. will guide the colt in his route debut.

UNCAPTURED HERO
Total 2 start(s)
Wins:
1
Place:
0
Show:
0
Top Speed Rating:
81 in maiden win at Del Mar
Total Earnings:
$22,800
Owner:
Bederian, Kamberian or Nakkashian
Breeder:
Richard Baltas
Trainer:
Arnoud Dobbler
Jockey:
Flavien Prat
Sire:
Uncaptured
Dam:
Nifty Shindig
Color:
Dark Bay

This sophomore exits a maiden score over $100,000 claiming foes at Del Mar as one of two in the field for conditioner Richard Baltas. The $40,000 purchase comes in fresh showing a steady string of morning drills since, and he will likely be forwardly placed from the break. Flavien Prat picks up the mount atop the potential pacesetter.

AZUL COAST
Total 1 start(s)
Wins:
1
Place:
0
Show:
0
Top Speed Rating:
90 in maiden score at Los Alamitos
Total Earnings:
$24,000
Owner:
Pegram, Watson and Weitman
Breeder:
Bob Baffert
Trainer:
SF Bloodstock, LLC
Jockey:
Joel Rosario
Sire:
Super Saver
Dam:
Sky Treasure
Color:
Bay

Bob Baffert pupil was impressive at first asking when drawing off in the lane going one-mile at Los Alamitos. The Kentucky-bred son of Super Saver displayed a fine turn of foot on debut, and the $320,000 yearling purchase will be tough in the Sham with even slight improvement. Jose Rosario will be in the stirrups.

SCORING
Total 1 start(s)
Wins:
1
Place:
0
Show:
0
Top Speed Rating:
80 in debut victory at Santa Anita
Total Earnings:
$39,000
Owner:
ERJ Racing, LLC and Pappas Horse Racing Co.
Breeder:
Doug O’Neill
Trainer:
Castleton Lyons
Jockey:
Abel Cedillo
Sire:
Justin Phillip
Dam:
High Heeled Hope
Color:
Bay

This son of Justin Phillip was elevated to first in a 4 ½-furlongs dash in June at Santa Anita in his debut offering. The three-year-old colt has trained in smart fashion in the interim, and he could be almost any kind in making his stakes and route bow under Abel Cedillo.

TAISHAN
Total 2 start(s)
Wins:
1
Place:
0
Show:
0
Top Speed Rating:
87 in maiden win at Santa Anita
Total Earnings:
$31,220
Owner:
Nguyen or Tran
Breeder:
Richard Baltas
Trainer:
Nursery Place, Donaldson and Broadbent
Jockey:
Aaron Gryder
Sire:
Twirling Candy
Dam:
Grace Phil
Color:
Bay

Son of Twirling Candy graduated at this distance while making his second lifetime start at Santa Anita most recently The Richard Baltas charge draws well on the outside of a compact field, and he will be a contender with a forward move on Saturday. Aaron Gryder will ride the win threat.

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