Santa Anita: Demonic playing catchup to make San Felipe

ARCADIA, Calif. - Demonic, the winner of a seven-furlong maiden race for 3-year-olds in his debut on Jan. 13, had a workout delayed this week because of a “minor issue,” trainer John Sadler said.

Sadler and owners Lee and Susan Searing are hoping to start Demonic in the $300,000 San Felipe Stakes over 1 1/16 miles on March 9 if the colt can resume full training.

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“I’m off my pattern for a few days, but I’m still trying to make the race,” Sadler said.

Sadler did not disclose the nature of Demonic’s setback.

The Grade 2 San Felipe is a key prep for the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby on April 6. The leading candidates for the San Felipe are Flashback, the winner of the Grade 2 Robert Lewis Stakes on Feb. 2, and Goldencents, who won the Grade 3 Sham Stakes in January.