'Kobe', 'Salutos' Meet in Palos Verdes

Multiple graded stakes winners Kobe's Back and Salutos Amigos head a field of six older horses in the $200,000 Palos Verdes Stakes (gr. II) Feb. 7 at Santa Anita Park.



Both have had their share of tough-luck losses in extended losing streaks against quality competition.



Salutos Amigos—owned in partnership by trainer David Jacobson and Southern Equine Stable—last won in June, seven starts back at Monmouth Park, when he impressively scored in the Mr. Prospector Stakes. But he has been close on occasion, including a half-length second to San Onofre last time out in the Midnight Lute Stakes (gr. III),



Kobe's Back—owned by C R K Stable—last won six starts back in April, when he took the Commonwealth Stakes (gr. III) at Keeneland, but was recently just a neck back in second, following Wild Dude in October's Santa Anita Sprint Championship (gr. I).



Mike Sanchez's speedy Rocket Heat should have the lead all to himself Sunday, and won more recently in a five-furlong turf allowance at Del Mar in November, but lacks the back class and dirt experience. His last three races have been on grass, including a runner-up finish last time out in the Clocker's Corner Stakes and a third, a half-length back of winner Toowindytohaulrox, in the Daytona (gr. IIIT) at Santa Anita.