Big Cazanova Favored in Las Vegas Marathon

Big Cazanova, an Argentine-bred who is on the also-eligible list for the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), is also the 5-2 morning-line choice in the Las Vegas Marathon (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park.



The Marathon is at the same main track 1 3/4-mile distance of the discontinued Breeders' Cup Marathon (gr. II) run from 2008-'13. Breeders' Cup discontinued the Marathon as part of the World Championships program earlier this year, saying: "The conditions of the race have not developed into a competition that we believe reaches the standard set by the remaining races comprising the Championships."



Trained by Peter Miller for Wachtel Stable, Gary Barber, Brous Stable, and Dona Licha Stables, Big Cazanova has won or placed in 15 of 18 starts and earned $269,692. A front-running ridgling son of Giant's Causeway  , Big Cazanova was disqualified from his only victory in 11 starts in his native country before coming to the U.S. earlier this year.



Since breaking his maiden in this third start in this county, Big Cazanova has won or placed second in three of four starts. Previous to the Marathon, he set the early pace before eventually being placed seventh (moved up from eighth) in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I).



At the Del Mar meet, Big Cazanova won a one-mile allowance/optional claimer in track record time of 1:34.74, lowering the standard of 1:34.86 by Potesta in 2012.

Sharing the Marathon's top weight of 124 pounds are Big Kick and Mystery Train.



A 5-year-old gelded son of Tiznow   trained by Mike Machowsky, Big Kick was a winner earlier this year at 1 3/4 miles, albeit on turf at Santa Anita in the San Juan Capistrano (gr. IIT). Overall he has compiled a record of 5-2-1 from 21 starts and earnings of $258,881.



Another Argentine-bred, Mystery Train was a multiple grade I winner in his native country before coming to the U.S. in the middle of this year. He has won or placed in 15 of 21 starts and since being taken over by trainer Darrel Vienna for Red Baron's Barn and Rancho Temesal upon his arrival here, he is unplaced in two starts.