All eyes on Mourinho in Speakeasy Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – Considering he is wheeling back only 15 days after a runaway debut, the 2-year-old colt Mourinho could be considered vulnerable Sunday at Santa Anita.

Another idea is more widely held: Mourinho is a cinch in the $70,000 Speakeasy Stakes.

“We normally wouldn’t run him back this quick, but he did it pretty handily the other day,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “I didn’t have him super cranked up; it was like a good work for him.”

Mourinho faces five rivals Sunday in the Speakeasy, a historically predictable sprint for 2-year-olds that Baffert has won three of the past four years. The Speakeasy was won by the odds-on favorite five of the last six years, a trend likely to continue Sunday.

Mourinho enters with a sizable speed-figure advantage over five rivals. They include Show It N Moe It, a 2-year-old filly prepping for a $200,000 stakes next month at Del Mar; debut winners Beautiful Shot and Candy Crew; shipper Soul of Discretion; and stretch-runner Here Is Happy.

The Speakeasy is race 5, allowing bettors to double-dip by singling Mourinho in the pick five (races 1-5) and pick six (races 4-9). Indications are Mourinho will run as expected.

“He’s doing well,” Baffert said. “We’ll find out what he’s made of; throwing him in with winners is the next step.”

The colt’s main rival is a filly. Show It N Moe It won the CTBA Stakes for statebred fillies at Del Mar, followed by a disappointing third at odds-on in the Generous Portion. Trainer Gary Sherlock expects a return to form Sunday, while recognizing a formidable rival.

“I think she can beat the rest of them,” Sherlock said. “She’s working good and training good. This is a prep.”

Sherlock is using the Speakeasy as a bridge. He plans to run Show It N Moe It in the $200,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes on Nov. 3 at Del Mar.

Candy Crew won his debut three weeks ago at Los Alamitos.

“It was a good first race for him,” trainer John Sadler said.

The competition gets tougher at Santa Anita.

“You get with quality over here,” Sadler said.

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KEY CONTENDERS

Mourinho, by Super Saver
Beyer: 86

◗ He was purchased for $625,000 at a 2-year-old sale in March; his debut was delayed by tender shins.

“We knew he was fast,” Baffert said.

◗ Jockey Mike Smith takes over for Drayden Van Dyke, who is on suspension.

Show It N Moe It, by Grace Upon Grace
Last 3 Beyers: 52-70-71

◗ Her victory in the CTBA Stakes in August was the first $100,000 stakes for apprentice Evin Roman, who entered the week tied for the lead in the fall-meet jockey standings.

Candy Crew, by Twirling Candy
Beyer: 68

◗ He won first out setting a slow pace. His chances are compromised Sunday by drawing the rail.