D'Amato Turf Workers Breeze Easy for BC
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Photo: Benoit Photo
Big John B comes on late to win the Del Mar Handicap.
With two of just four turf workers Oct. 25 at Santa Anita Park, trainer Phil D'Amato was intentionally easy on his expected Breeders' Cup runners.
Michael House's Big John B, winner of three straight handicaps including the Cougar II (gr. IIIT) and Del Mar (gr. IIT), covered five furlongs in 1:03 flat over firm turf, and two-time grade I winner Obviously, third in the Ricoh Woodbine Mile (Can-IT) in his only 2015 start, went the same distance in 1:00 4/5.
ANGST: Big John B Repeats in Del Mar Handicap
Owned by Anthony Fanticola and Joseph Scardino, Obviously is entered in both the Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT) and Turf Sprint (gr. IT), and earned the rare California "breezing" tag for his workout, the only equine on the 162-horse worktab to draw that label from the Santa Anita clockers. Big John B is expected in the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. IT).
"We just want to make sure they're happy and fresh," D'Amato said. "They both had some serious drills the last couple times."
Earlier Sunday morning, D'Amato also drilled Midnight Storm five furlongs on dirt in 1:00 flat. The 4-year-old Pioneerof the Nile colt is expected to compete in the Mile.
The trainer said all three will ship to Keeneland early in the morning Oct. 27.