The “Big Cap” – One of Racing’s Iconic Contests

By Bob Hill, TSV staff writer

Many past winners in the historic Santa Anita Handicap have exhibits honoring them in the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame. Seabiscuit’s improbable victory in 1940 is legendary (the climax of the movie seen by millions). John Henry won the race twice, as did the most famous lead pony in history – Lava Man. Alysheba, Tiznow, Affirmed, and Spectacular Bid won the Big Cap. Accelerate, Shared Belief and Game on Dude won in this century. There may not be a horse of that caliber in this year’s edition, but there is never a year that the race is not newsworthy.

Here’s a look at those who will go to post this Saturday.

1 – There Goes Harvard (15-1): This son of Will Take Charge has excelled at the 10 furlong distance. His recent form is not great, but he cannot be ignored in exotics plays. He cannot afford getting buried at the break.

2 – Parnelli (15-1): His most recent third place finish in the G2 San Pasqual offers reason for optimism for a possible spot in the superfecta. Not a serious win contender.

3 – Newgrange (4-1): Winner of the San Pasqual tries this classic distance for the first time. Gets Dettori aboard. He’s three for three at Santa Anita. Contender

4 – Stilleto Boy (8-1): His past races at this distance have yielded only one placing in four tires. Several in this field have bested him in the past. Kent Desormeaux gets aboard so an aggressive ride is likely. Cannot recommend for more than a small piece.

5 – Defunded (3-1): The Bob Baffert training is the tepid morning line favorite. His second place finish in the Pegasus followed tow wins last fall. He led every call but the last one in the Gold Cup last year on this oval. Win contender

6 – Warrant (5-1): Brad Cox trainee ran his highest lifetime Beyer (104) in this race last year. The connections win at a nearly 40% clip together. He would be a real bargain at his ML odds.

7 – Heywoods Beach (20-1): This guy is absolutely the mark of consistency. They get him the gate and he gives a top effort every time. He’s probably just not fast enough in this company.

8 – Hopper (8-1): Like Newgrange, he is a four-year-old trained by Bob Baffert. He’s lightly raced, but he probably gets the lead if that’s where Mike Smith lets him go. If you want to take a shot at good odds this may be your guy.

9 – Scarlet Fusion (20-1): Joe Sharp trainee won last out at 12 furlongs on grass. This is a huge class test for this son of Curlin. Pass

10 – Tisquantum (20-1): Local allowance horse who appears to be way beyond his depth. Going four furlongs farther than he’s ever gone. Pass

11 – Proxy (5-1): Was a buzz horse in the Pegasus where he was coming off two of his best races. He’s a son of Tapit so he should make the distance okay, but I see a small piece as his ceiling.

I’m going to play Warrant (6) to win if I can get odds of 9-2 or better. If not, I’ll look to Hopper (8) as a win bet opportunity at 6-1 or better. Defunded (5) has to be on the ticket because he’s probably the best horse in the field, and my exotics value play will be There Goes Harvard (15-1).

Selections: 6-8-5-1