Santa Anita: Potential on display in Sunday's 4th

ARCADIA, Calif. - Demonic makes his career debut in Sunday’s fourth race, and he may be the 3-year-old to follow in trainer John Sadler’s stable in coming months.

Sadler and owners Lee and Susan Searing have high expectations for Sunday’s race, and beyond.

“He’s showed a lot of run,” Sadler said. “You don’t want to get too hyped before their first race. You never know how the year will shake out.”

Demonic is by Bernardini out of Sincerely, a Meadowlake mare who was a graded stakes winner and earned $322,527. Demonic was purchased for $400,000 at the 2011 Keeneland September yearling sale.

Sadler said that he has been impressed with Demonic’s breezes “for a big horse.” Demonic worked six furlongs in 1:12 on Jan. 4, the fastest of 21 recorded works at the distance. In December, Demonic had quick workouts at distances ranging from a half-mile to six furlongs.

“He wouldn’t be a surprise,” Sadler said of the possibility of winning on Sunday.

Sunday’s fourth race will be run over seven furlongs. The race has drawn a field of eight, including three first-time starters. Battled, a Master Command colt, and Major Affair, a gelding by Officer, were second and fourth in a maiden race at Hollywood Park on Dec. 15.

Battled is trained by Bob Baffert, who starts the first-time starter Del Mar Sunset, a colt by Candy Ride.