Baffert Considers Plans for Game Winner, McKinzie
Image:
Description:
Photo: Coady Photography
Game Winner
Trainer Bob Baffert likely will have Game Winner make his seasonal debut in the $500,000 San Felipe Stakes (G2) March 9 at Santa Anita Park.
Gary and Mary West's Game Winner completed a perfect 2-year-old season in 2018 with a 2 1/4-length victory in the Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Churchill Downs. His unblemished four starts also include grade 1 scores in the Del Mar Futurity and American Pharoah Stakes.
Baffert told Santa Anita publicity Jan. 15 that he plans to run Game Winner in the San Felipe Stakes "if all goes well." Game Winner currently leads the Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifying points list at 30 points. The San Felipe awards points to the top four finishers (50-20-10-5).
Meanwhile, Baffert said McKinzie's status for the $9 million, 1 1/8-mile Pegasus World Cup (G1) Jan. 26 at Gulfstream Park was still undetermined, with the grade 2 San Pasqual Stakes at the same distance Feb. 2 an option.
"He's doing well and it's tempting," Baffert said of McKinzie, impressive winner of the grade I Malibu Stakes at seven furlongs Dec. 26.