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ARCADIA, Calif. – Three weeks after winning the $50,000 Pomona Derby at Fairplex Park, Shadow Runner returns in an optional claimer over a mile on turf at Santa Anita on Sunday.
It may seem like a drop in class, especially since Shadow Runner is entered to be claimed for $80,000 in the one-mile turf race, but Sunday’s race for 3-year-olds is also worth $50,000 and may be an ideal spot for a 3-year-old who was an inexpensive purchase during the summer.
“We gave $27,500 for him,” trainer Mike Machowsky said. “It was a good purchase.”
Shadow Runner has made three starts for Machowsky. At Del Mar, he won a $40,000 claimer and was second in a $50,000 claimer, both on turf.
“It seems like he’s getting better and better,” Machowsky said. “It’s difficult to place him. When I saw this race, I thought this would be the perfect spot.”
The optional claimer is the eighth race on a nine-race program that does not include a stakes.
Shadow Runner drew the rail in a field of 10. The inside post could be an advantage, Machowsky said.
“I’m glad I drew the 1 hole,” he said. “He needs to settle a little bit. Hopefully we can get him covered up and get him relaxed.”
The field includes Huntsville, who was sixth in the Pomona Derby and won an allowance race here on Sept. 29. Huntsville is entered to be claimed for $80,000.
Funny How tries to win his third consecutive start. Trained by John Martin, Funny How won an $18,000 claimer for maidens and a starter allowance over a mile on turf at Golden Gate Fields in late September.
Segway, by Giant’s Causeway, makes his second start. Trained by Richard Mandella, Segway won a maiden race for 3-year-olds over a mile on turf here in January in his career debut. He emerged from that race with a pastern injury that required a layoff.
“I wish I had a few more works,” Mandella said. “I’m sure he’s not ready for the race of his life, but he needs to get started.”
Mandella said that Segway could use Sunday’s race as a prep for the $250,000 Hollywood Derby over 1 1/4 miles on turf at Betfair Hollywood Park on Nov. 25.
“He is a 3-year-old and we might think about that,” Mandella said.
Best Bets
DRINK OR SINK went too fast on the lead last time before fading on the turf at Tampa, and should be less aggressive here with blinkers off. Olguin was aboard for his good fall races on the Poly, and should have him closing at a square price in his second start of the year. GOOD BETTER BEST finished up the track behind two next-out winners when he tried the dirt for the first time March 30 at Gulfstream. He hasn't faced this easy a field in a while, and is no stranger to filling out the exactor.
