The $200,000 San Gabriel Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Santa Anita on Saturday might be the only career meeting between Big John B and Obviously. They specialize in different distances and will start in the Grade 2 San Gabriel as a way to prepare for races in February.
According to the company he's kept, Flexibility looks well spotted to kick off his 3-year-old campaign successfully when he runs in Saturday's Grade 3, $200,000 Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct.
Trainer Tim Yakteen has been fined $3,000 and suspended seven days after one of his runners tested in excess of the permitted level of the tranquilizer acepromazine in a stakes at Del Mar last summer.
Trainer Justin Evans has shifted the focus of his operation in recent times and will attempt to start the new year on a meaningful note Saturday, when he sends out Belleofthebeach and Cassy Sue in the $65,000 Bold Ego Handicap at Sunland Park.
Paulina's Love will be considered for the $200,000 Buena Vista Stakes for fillies and mares at a mile on turf after winning an optional claimer in Wednesday's seventh race.
Sunday Rules won her third stakes but first against open company Wednesday in the $98,850 Kalookan Queen Stakes for female sprinters at Santa Anita. The win may lead to a return to the statebred division or an attempt at a first graded stakes win in late January.
The New York Gaming Commission approved a plan on Wednesday that would increase workman's compensation insurance rates for New York horsemen in 2016, but not as dramatically as once feared.
Isotherm will attempt to remain unbeaten on turf Saturday when he moves back to the grass for the Grade 3, $100,000 Dania Beach at Gulfstream Park.
Forever Darling was given a tall order in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies last time out, and – like every other filly who has tried to beat Songbird – couldn't handle the task. But she's back in the familiar surroundings of Santa Anita on Saturday, in against a softer field and back sprinting.
All Run joined trainer Richard Baltas's stable in late summer, and is unbeaten in his last three starts. The streak has led to All Run's graded stakes debut in Saturday's $100,000 Midnight Lute Stakes at Santa Anita.
