3 minute read

Much of the excitement on Saturday will surround a quartet of Kentucky Derby points races coast to coast, but one of the most prestigious races in California's storied racing past will run for the 87th time at Santa Anita Park.

And what's even better? The Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap looks to be a good betting race this year.

I'm normally a fan of the edict that "Grade 1 horses win Grade 1 races," but I'm willing to make an exception for this year's Big Cap, as it features a rising star in the Godolphin homebred Highland Falls .

Trained by Brad Cox, Highland Falls has won three of four starts but has yet to try stakes company. His performance ratings have come back fast, although he has not raced beyond 1 1/16 miles let alone the 1 1/4-mile distance of this test. But his breeding, by horse of the year Curlin out of Grade 1 winner Round Pond, suggests the added distance should be no issue.

The two primary threats appear to be a pair of horses who threw in absolute clunkers in the Pegasus World Cup (G1) last out in O'Connor and Skippylongstocking. The former never quickened behind National Treasure's front-running victory and finished mid-pack. The latter had good position early but folded down the backside and did not finish.

Both have efforts that would compete against any in here, but neither came close to displaying that kind of talent last out. Sometimes the public overreacts, especially to a DNF, so there is some chance on value on either of these, especially if Highland Falls gets overbet.

Another sort-of-wildcard factor is Subsanador, who disappointed as the 13-10 favorite in his North American debut when fourth in the San Antonio (G2). A three-time Group 1 winner in his native Argentina, Subsanador tracked the pace last out but was empty late to beat only one horse home.

Skipping the Pegasus after that and pointing toward this makes sense, but it will make dollars without me at what I expect to be a shortish price given the action last time.