Grade II San Pasqual

It’s a common belief that the progeny of Group I winner Giant’s Causeway get better as they age. Bluegrass Stakes runner-up, Cowboy Cal, does not appear to be an exception to this rule. His most recent outing was a second place finish in the Hollywood Derby, where he missed the red hot Court Vision by 3/4 length. He is one of the best horses in the barn of his trainer, Todd Pletcher. Cowboy Cal is quite adept on turf, and synthetic surfaces. If he can get the job done in the San Pasqual (gr. II) he will be a stakes winner at the ages of 2,3, and 4. I love his chances, but he won’t waltz easily into the winner’s circle.

Goodwood Stakes winner, and Breeders Cup Dirt Mile favorite, Well Armed, is back for for another attempt at the San Pasqual after finishing second to Zappa in 2008. His most recent performance was a Breeders Cup flop, where he finished ninth by ten lengths. The distance may have been a tad too short for the son of Tiznow, and the pace a bit too hot. Trainer Eion Hary says that Well Armed has been happy during his work outs, and that was how things progressed leading up to his wins last year. He is the likely favorite.

Magnum would be quite a shocker, but he is an interesting entry nonetheless. I can remember watching him run when I first started to gain interest in horse racing. He has played second fiddle to Lava Man for the better part of his career. His best race was a 2nd place finish to Lava Man in the Santa Anita Handicap all the way back in 2006. I’d love to see him win, or even hit the board, for sentimental reason. I doubt that will happen, but I hope the eight-year-old gelding finds a great home when his career is finally finished.

Slew’s Tizzy won’t be without support at the betting windows. Along with his full brother, Slew’s Tiznow, this son of Tiznow broke a track record at Hollywood in last start. Both jockey Joel Rosario, and trainer Doug O’Neill have been hot lately. I can remember when this guy was a three-year-old and he won the Lexington Stakes. He never quite lived up to the hype, and finished up track in the Belmont Stakes next time out. He could rectify that with a stellar 2009 campaign, and his last race was a perfect stepping stone.

Like I said in the first paragraph of this post, I’m going to support Cowboy Cal. He looks to be on the improve, and has never ran a bad race minus the Kentucky Derby, and his first start. Other horses to look out for are Ball Four, and Past The Point. Who do you like in the San Pasqual? Leave a comment and let me know!