03/10/2013 1:56PM

Santa Anita Derby rematch looms between Hear the Ghost and Flashback

By Jay Privman
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Barbara D. Livingston
Corey Nakatani and Hear the Ghost return to the winner's circle after upsetting the Grade 2 San Felipe on Saturday.

ARCADIA, Calif. – Hear the Ghost, who successfully stretched out around two turns when winning the Grade 2, $300,000 San Felipe Stakes on Saturday here at Santa Anita, came out of the race in good condition and is likely to make his next start in the Grade 1, $750,000 Santa Anita Derby on April 6, his trainer and co-owner, Jerry Hollendorfer, said Sunday morning.

[ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Prep races, point standings, replays]

“He’s very good,” Hollendorfer said via telephone from Hollywood Park, where he is based. “We brought him right back here after the race.”

Hollendorfer said he’d “sure take a close look” at the Santa Anita Derby, which he described as “the logical next step.”

Flashback was second as the favorite in the San Felipe while suffering the first loss of his three-race career. He is also likely to return in the Santa Anita Derby. His trainer, Bob Baffert, said Flashback was "great" on Sunday.

Goldencents, who dueled early with Flashback before fading late to finish fourth, came out of the race well, according to Leandro Mora, the top assistant to trainer Doug O’Neill.

 

Eric Singer 8 months ago
I think Flashback ran great - for a horse making on his 3rd start. he pressed a fast pace, got rid of the other speed and came close to holding on. no way did Bob have him cranked. take a breath - the best is yet to come
Mark. 8 months ago
hear the ghost is the real deal
Mark Scheider 8 months ago
Elvis Trujillo is winning the KD.
Dave 8 months ago
Will we see Mike Smith on Flashback in the next race? I can't think off the top of my head of a big Derby contender that Mike Smith has been on.
george cernansky 8 months ago
Mike will stick with Oxbow after he has another strong run in the Rebel.
Kendall Daniels 8 months ago
Flashback appears to be another Tapit colt that's built for middle distance races but will try the Derby. Hansen was last year's example. I actually hope that both Flashback and Goldencents make it to the Derby because it will ensure a lively pace and based on Verrazano's tendency to run too close to the pace we should see 3 horses tiring badly in the stretch in the Derby while the big price horses pass them, a la 2005. I can't wait.
John 8 months ago
I think Goldencents is just too fast for a mile and 1/4 come Derby day ! He seems to be more of a quality miler or sprinter. I hope Doug doesnt have Derby fever and tries to shape this horse into something I dont think he is, but he is the expert, Im just commenting ! I didnt realize, Hear the Ghost is only switching leads, late in the stretch, thats why the late surge each time ! Flashback will be tough, a little rating next time, I think a different result !
Lawrence Vaccarelli 8 months ago
Goldencentshad a terrible trip in his last race,....inside, then moved to outside the salute the sarge horse....just as this is happening, flashback ranges up to move outside Goldencents....now Goldencents is rank as all hell and never gets a breather between horses....you will see a different Goldencents next time a good price. now he might not be derby materail but your going to see a whole different race from him next time.
Jd Staton 8 months ago
i like flash back but im thinking if he cant relax and save everything for the stretch he mite be another hanson or bodemiester and make a habit of getting caught. will see
Pom De Terre 8 months ago
hear the ghost totally owned the race this weekend. jerry hollendorfer is 1/2 owner- right there should tip anyone off. he had at least 3 SEVEN furlong breezes prior to race... clue number 2... his ped suggests he will run all day, and the pace duel between flashback and golden cents cinched the deal. i love a stone cold closer, and this guy gets my vote, plus i never ever ignore a horse who has a signifcant ownership interest held by such a respected trainer. and with the new point system, we are looking at horses such as he's had enough with more earning than most, but way out of top 20. hear the ghost has rattled some cages - and god willing remains healthy- will continue to do so. baffert should have anticipated that speed duel and rated flashback- just goes to show there are other trainers in socalmwhon know thier stuff. go ghost! and ty for a very decent payday!
Joel Winicki 8 months ago
It's nice to see Paul Aguirre with a a quality 3 yr old this time of year. He's a great guy, well deserving! He might not be the best horse of the bunch, but he's no doubt the easiest to root for. Nice work Paul!
Cover2 8 months ago
Both jocks thought they had Citation under 'em........can't see a threat from cal in ky. can always make a case like Giacomo.....don't see D O'neill back on TC trail '13
Joel Winicki 8 months ago
......and I'm sure you said the same thing last year (probably every year) about the Cali crop. The KD is WIDE OPEN this year, more than ever. Last year at this time all we heard was Union Rags, Hansen, and the plethora of Pletcher horses.....and how the Cali horses were a cut below. How'd that work out for ya? Lol
Paul Perata 8 months ago
Same nonsense every year. Check out the charts from the last several years, they run a lot better than other circuits. They also ship in and win stakes, Comma To The Top being the latest. You people and your "Cal horses aren't as good" nonsense. Keep plunging, please.