Santa Anita Stable Notes Sunday, April 18, 2021

By Ed Golden —-

STABLE NOTES BY ED GOLDEN
SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021

SADLER ANNOUNCES JOCK CHANGE FOR DERBY
TRIUMPHANT RETURN FOR VICTOR ESPINOZA
DERBY EXPERIENCE BENEFITS TEAM O’NEILL
HARVEST MOON SET FOR SANTA MARGARITA
TOC HONORS 1/ST RACING’S BUTLER

ROSARIO TO RIDE ROCK YOUR WORLD IN KY DERBY

In a development that had been rumored earlier in the week, Steve Andersen of Daily Racing Form reported early Saturday evening that John Sadler had confirmed Joel Rosario would replace Umberto Rispoli aboard Runhappy Santa Anita Derby winner Rock Your World in the Kentucky Derby May 1.

In an interview on “Thoroughbred Los Angeles” radio this morning, Sadler acknowledged the difficult decision to make a rider change was his.

“Let’s be very clear here, I was rooting for (Bob Baffert’s) Concert Tour to win the Arkansas Derby (on April 10) and (then) this is all a non-conversation,” said Sadler. “We decided to wait until after the Concert Tour race to see what was gonna happen and nobody could’ve predicted that (a disappointing third place finish), really. I mean, he was one to five or whatever and then he didn’t run on.

“So, when Joel came available…You know, these are agonizing decisions and not easy. I want to be very clear, I think the world of Rispoli and I think the world of his riding. He’s a terrific rider on our circuit and he’s been a great addition to California and will continue to be. But, I had to make a call and this is the call I made…History will tell whether I’m right or wrong. Things could go bad, you know, overnight in this game, but this is the decision we made for this race, so you know, we have to live with it and go forward.

“We think with (Joel’s) experience over the track…And just my relationship with him and these owners (Hronis Racing, LLC and Talla Racing, LLC)…this gives us our strongest position. So, this is what we’re going to do…I would love for somebody to look this up. Am I the trainer that Joel Rosario has won the most races for in his career? I think so…We were winning titles together at Del Mar and if you say, ‘Okay, Rosario with Chad Brown or Rosario with Todd Pletcher. Which trainer has the most wins with this jock?’ I think it’s me.

“I’ll be shocked if it isn’t…One of the great stats in racing history is Russell Baze and Jerry Hollendorfer. It’s like, there’s nobody even close. You know, the runs they had together…So, there’s definitely some good chemistry there and we just gotta hope things go our way in Kentucky.”

Sadler said that Rock Your World would leave for Louisville a week from today, Sunday, April 26. By Candy Ride and bred in Kentucky by Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally and his wife Debbie, Rock Your World won his first start, a six furlong maiden special weight at six furlongs on turf her Jan. 1 under Rosario. Rispoli took over for a one mile turf win in the Pasadena Stakes Feb. 27 and orchestrated a brilliant gate to wire triumph in the Runhappy Santa Anita Derby on April 3, his first start on dirt.

Mike Willman

ESPINOZA WINS TWO IN STORYBOOK COMEBACK

Victor Espinoza is back.

The Hall of Fame jockey made a storybook return to the races Saturday after an extended absence of a month, during which he spent time in his native Mexico providing love and care for his ailing 90-year-old mother, Gloria.

The three-time Kentucky Derby winner and 2015 Triple Crown king on American Pharoah had two mounts yesterday, winning both with moves right out of National Velvet.

Espinoza, who turns 49 on May 23, rallied from eighth and last on Achilleus to win the sixth race at a mile on dirt by a half-length for trainer John Sadler, with whom he has enjoyed great success in the past. It was Victor’s first ride since March 19 when he finished second by a head on 7-1 shot American Heights.

Espinoza scored another dramatic victory in the seventh race, courageously slipping Ce Ce through a narrow opening on the rail in the stretch to win by 3 ¾ lengths for Michael McCarthy.

Espinoza had ridden the five-year-old daughter of Elusive Quality to back-to-back Grade I victories last year, in the Beholder Mile and the Apple Blossom Handicap.

But it was business as usual Sunday morning for Espinoza, who was working horses at Santa Anita.

“It was a good day,” Espinoza said of his return. “I started in the right direction. My plan was to have Achilleus close to the lead, but he broke so slow it seemed like he wasn’t moving. My experience has taught me one thing though: never give up until the race is over.

“Many times, horses don’t have that motivation early on, and if I give up, we don’t have a chance. Animals are smart, but no matter how far you are into a race, don’t give up on them.

“Ce Ce showed her class. She’s always been an amazing mare, she came back fresh and her race was excellent.”

Espinoza had more good news on the familial front.

“My mother just turned 90 and never had any serious problems until she fractured her back,” he said. “Then everything fell apart. But now she’s recovering and getting much better.”

Added Espinoza’s agent of eight years Brian Beach: “The important thing winning with Sadler’s horse was it showed Victor’s timing was still spot on.

“I’ve often told people Victor can step away like this and be ready to ride when he comes back, because he’s always working out and taking care of his body.

“He’s not a partier or anything like that. He’s always in tip-top shape . . . It’s like he never missed a beat.”

That’s all well and good, but two victories on Saturday, especially as incredulous as they were, assuredly can’t hurt business.

“The timing is good with the Kentucky Derby week coming up,” Beach said. “Hopefully we can pick up a few mounts here and there from guys who are going to be riding in the Derby (on May 1). Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like we’re going to be riding in it this year, but maybe we can stay at home and win a few.”

After his victories, Victor generously spent time chatting with media and greeting fans, his wide smile beaming all the while.

Some of his well-wishers were in their early teens, providing Espinoza an up close and personal opportunity to cultivate a nucleus of fresh faces for a sport in dire need of them.

They greeted him like a rock star, eager for pictures and autographs, with one distinct exception: Victor’s instrument is a Thoroughbred, and he still plays it like a Stradivarius.

THIRD TIME IN DERBY BENEFITS TEAM O’NEILL

Louisiana Derby winner Hot Rod Charlie had his penultimate Kentucky Derby workout at Santa Anita Saturday, going six furlongs under Flavien Prat in 1:14.20 as the son of Oxbow prepares for the Run for the Roses on May 1.

Doug O’Neill hopes the third time’s the charm, even though the 52-year-old trainer has captured the world’s most famous race twice before, with I’ll Have Another in 2012 and Nyquist in 2016.

But it never gets old.

Hot Rod Charlie is sitting on go with 110 Kentucky Derby qualifying polnts and Prat committed as his rider. Hot Rod Charlie is scheduled to have his final major Derby breeze this Saturday at Santa Anita.

“Now it’s day to day to day, keep him injury free and keep moving forward,” O’Neill said. “I would think having gone through the Derby twice before is an advantage.

“It is all horse-driven, based on who you’re going there with, but we’re very optimistic with Hot Rod Charlie. He’s already shown he can ship and perform well at the highest level.

“We’re excited, and the previous experience definitely is a benefit, I would think.”

As to the origin of the colt’s name, O’Neill attributes it in part to the dam’s sire. “He’s out of a mare (Indian Miss) by Indian Charlie, so I think that’s where it comes from, but Hot Rod?

“I’m not sure about that, but for us it’s got a good ring to it.”

HARVEST MOON BREEZES FOR SANTA MARGARITA

Harvest Moon, a consistent daughter of mega-sire Uncle Mo, worked five furlongs this morning in 1:01.40 for this Saturday’s Grade II Santa Margarita Stakes for fillies and mares four and up at 1 1/8 miles.

The bay filly trained by Simon Callaghan for Alice Bamford and Michael Tabor was fourth in her four-year-old debut March 13, beaten seven lengths by champion Swiss Skydiver, and prior to that a creditable fourth behind another champion, Monomoy Girl, in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Keeneland last Nov.7.

Callaghan expects improvement in the Santa Margarita.

“She’s doing well and she probably needed her first race back a little bit,” Callaghan said. “This is definitely an easier spot than she’s been running in.”

Harvest Moon won the Grade II Zenyatta Stakes at 1 1/16 miles last Sept. 27 under Flavien Prat, who has been aboard in her last six races and will be back in the Santa Margarita.

AIDAN BUTLER TO BE HONORED BY TOC

Aidan Butler has been selected by the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) as recipient of the 2020 Ed Friendly Industry Service Award. The award is presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions and service in the Thoroughbred racing industry. Originally known as the TOC Chairman’s Award, it was renamed for the legendary television producer, thoroughbred owner, and TOC founding member following his death in 2007. Former awardees include some of the most prominent names in Southern California racing, including Mace Siegel, John Harris, Bob and Beverly Lewis, Jerry and Ann Moss, and Clement Hirsch.

An expert in technology, horse racing and gaming, Butler currently serves as both the Chief Operating Officer, 1/ST RACING and President, 1/ST CONTENT. 1/ST is The Stronach Group’s consumer-facing brand and is a dominant player in North American Thoroughbred horse racing, technology, entertainment, media, wagering and real estate development.

During a transformative time in horse racing, Butler was responsible for the implementation of industry-leading health and safety protocols for horses and riders at Santa Anita Park while overseeing track management and operations at the company’s West Coast venues. In addition, he was responsible for the development of key stakeholder and strategic relationships and most recently for leading Santa Anita Park successfully through the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are very pleased to honor Aidan with this award,” said TOC Chairman, Gary Fenton.

“Aidan came to Southern California two years ago and navigated us through an existential crisis and the institution of historic medication changes,” Fenton continued. “He created trust and relationships between stakeholders and was instrumental in bolstering the now thriving Southern California racing circuit.”

“There isn’t an hour in the day that anyone – from staff to racing fans – cannot reach Aidan,” Fenton added. “His dedication to making this industry and everyone around him better is admirable and makes him very deserving of having his name on the same list as so many other industry legends.”

Butler will be recognized at TOC’s Southern California Annual Meeting at Del Mar on August 14th.

TOC is the official organization serving new, veteran and future Thoroughbred owners in the state. It represents, advances, and protects owners’ interests and rights in legislative, administrative and business matters. www.toconline.com.

CHRB TELECONFERENCE MEETING ON APRIL 21

The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a teleconference meeting at 9:30 a.m. this Wednesday, April 21.

Consistent with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-29-20, the meeting will be teleconference only. No physical location will be provided.

The public may participate in either of two ways. The webcast audio link on the CHRB website will continue to provide a way for the public to listen to this meeting. Those wishing to speak during the meeting may dial 888-392-4564 and enter 6896291# to join the teleconference.

To speak on any item, press star 1 to enter the speakers’ queue. Those providing unsolicited public comment on individual agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda items.

Note that for agenda item #7, Public Comment, no further comments will be permitted after 30 minutes. The agenda and package of materials are available on the CHRB website.

FINISH LINES: There were 215 recorded workouts at Santa Anita Sunday, including a three-furlong blowout in 37.60 by Bob Baffert trainee Gamine, champion female sprinter of 2020 who runs in the Grade I Derby City Distaff at Churchill Downs April 30. The seven-furlong race offers a purse of $500,000. Baffert currently is tied for Santa Anita’s training lead with Phil D’Amato, each at 30 wins. Peter Miller is in prime pouncing position with 28 victories . . . There was one winning ticket yesterday on the Pick Six at Golden Gate Fields, paying $135,220.02 . . . Santa Anita will be dark for live racing Monday through Thursday. Live racing resumes 1 p.m. Friday, April 23.