Breeders' Cup Horses Log Turf Works at Santa Anita

Nine horses got the rare opportunity to train on the Santa Anita Park turf course Oct. 22, to get in important works for upcoming Breeders' Cup races.

Trainer Phil D'Amato jumped at the opportunity to work Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) contender Hunt on the Santa Anita grass, which has been closed for training all year. The Dark Angel (IRE) gelding, who won the Eddie Read Stakes (G2T) and Del Mar Handicap Presented by The Japan Racing Association (G2T) over the summer at Del Mar, breezed six furlongs in 1:13 2/5.

"He came and got a pair (of workers) about 15 (lengths) in front of him, made up ground on them, and galloped out with them, so that was just what I want," D'Amato said. "For grass horses in big races, it makes a huge difference (to train on the turf). Back east they allow it, even maidens, but for West Coast horses to compete in these big grass races, I think it's important to be able to breeze on the grass.

"They're using different muscles and it absolutely gets them in a different shape. I don't think you can quite get the same effect on the dirt."

Hunt, who is owned by Michael House, will ship to Del Mar for his final Breeders' Cup work, which will also be on the turf.

Also on the turf work tab Sunday was a pair from the barn of Vladimir Cerin. Cerin sent out Count Alexander and Pubilius Syrus to work in company for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1T) and they were clocked in 1:01 3/5 and 1:01 4/5, respectively.

Another Juvenile Turf contender, Snapper Sinclair, worked five furlongs in 1:00. Mr. Roary and Om, both pointing for the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T), covered five furlongs in 1:00 and 1:02, respectively. Other turf workers were Cambodia (five furlongs, 1:00), Goldy Espony (five furlongs, 1:01 1/5), and Birdie Gold (one mile, 1:41 1/5).

Trainer Richard Baltas wanted to get Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) contender Goodyearforroses onto the Santa Anita grass for a work Sunday, but waited for jockey Corey Nakatani, who was aboard another worker earlier in the session. The delay cost the grade 2 winner a chance to work on the grass, as Santa Anita closed the turf course before she had a chance to go, but the Azamour (IRE) mare had a drill in on the main track, where she covered a half-mile in :47 1/5.

"My jockey waited on another trainer and my horse couldn't get on, so it is what it is," Baltas said. "She worked super. She went in :47 and galloped out (to five furlongs) in 1:00, so I'm OK with it."

Baltas hopes to get Goodyearforroses' last Breeders' Cup work over the grass at Del Mar.