10/08/2011 6:16PM

Santa Anita: Too fast for The Factor

By Steve Andersen
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The Factor faded to finish fourth as the 2-5 favorite in Saturday's Grade 1 Ancient Title Stakes after battling through a wicked speed duel with the 45-1 outsider Sirocco Strike for the first half-mile.

The beneficiary was the closer Amazombie, who rallied from last to win by three-quarters of a length over Irrefutable, finishing six furlongs in 1:08.24. Irrefutable is trained by Bob Baffert, who also trains The Factor.

The Factor broke from the rail under jockey Martin Garcia, set fractions of 21.27 and 43.80 seconds, but was under urging from Garcia nearing the quarter-pole.

Amazombie and The Factor are likely to go on to the Breeders' Cup Sprint, while runner-up Mensa Heat, who was claimed for $25,000 in April, is more likely to start in the California Cup Sprint on Oct. 29.