Age-defying Soi Phet seeks millionaire status in Bertrando Stakes

CYPRESS, Calif. – Making his 59th career start in Wednesday’s $100,000 Bertrando Stakes at Los Alamitos, Soi Phet will be the center of attention. At 10, Soi Phet is the oldest stakes winner active in Southern California and is widely admired for his ability and longevity.

Already this year, Soi Phet has shown peak form, winning the Crystal Water Stakes for California-breds at a mile on turf at 42-1, his second win on turf. Soi Phet’s other 12 wins have been on dirt, including four of eight starts at Los Alamitos.

“He’s been as good as he’s always been,” trainer Leonard Powell said on Sunday. “I’m feeling confident about him on Wednesday.”

Soi Phet is joined by eight rivals in the Bertrando, which is restricted to Cal-breds and run at a mile. The opposition includes Magic Mark, who won the 2015 Bertrando; Grecian Fire, who was third in the Grade 3 All American Stakes at Golden Gate Fields on May 28; and B Squared, who was second in the Crystal Water.

KEY CONTENDERS

Soi Phet, by Tizbud
Last 3 Beyers: 92-80-94

◗ Soi Phet has earned $955,250 and would surpass the $1 million mark with a win. Soi Phet was fifth in the 2017 Bertrando but won the E.B. Johnston Stakes for statebred milers here last September.

◗ At his advanced age, Soi Phet shows enthusiasm for racing and training, Powell said.

“He’s happy to be here,” he said.

◗ In the Crystal Water, Soi Phet was fourth for the first half-mile and won by a head over B Squared. Powell envisions a similar trip on Wednesday.

“Hopefully, he can be in a stalking position,” Powell said.

Magic Mark, by Benchmark
Last 3 Beyers: 91-94-83

◗ Magic Mark was second in the 2017 Bertrando but then was sidelined by injury and didn’t start for the rest of the year. Magic Mark was second in an allowance race with a $62,500 claiming option at Santa Anita on May 24 in his first start of 2018. Magic Mark, who was eligible to be claimed that day, was always near the front and lost by three-quarters of a length to Sorry Erik.

“I was happy with the way he returned,” trainer Ron Ellis said.

◗ Magic Mark, who will be ridden by Martin Garcia, is capable of setting the pace but is more likely to race behind Taman Guard, who drew the rail and has won sprints from the front.

“He likes to be on the lead, but he’s been showing he can rate some,” Ellis said of Magic Mark. “It gives Martin some options. He showed in his last two races he can sit just off the pace.”

Grecian Fire, by Unusual Heat
Last 3 Beyers: 98-NA-92

◗ He closed from ninth to finish a length behind The Lieutenant in the All American Stakes at a mile on the synthetic main track at Golden Gate Fields. A 4-year-old gelding trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, Grecian Fire will start on dirt for the first time since a maiden-race win at Santa Anita in February 2017. Grecian Fire has raced on turf or synthetic surfaces in 12 subsequent starts.