The triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures that Carve, Code West, and Ivan Fallunovalot earned in their most recent starts might lead their connections to pass on the next round of races for their divisions at Oaklawn Park.
Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott was suspended 15 days and fined $1,000 for the finding of the drug Flunixin, also known as Banamine, and an overage of Lasix in the body fluid of Saratoga Snacks, who finished last in a New York-bred allowance race Sept. 20 at Belmont Park, according to the New York State Gaming Commission.
The stars were out Friday at Payson Park, with Belmont Stakes winner Tonalist and defending Donn Handicap champion Lea both working at the training center during the course of the morning.
Santa Anita has changed the conditions of the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes on Feb. 7 in an attempt to draw opponents for California Chrome, the 2014 Horse of the Year, and Shared Belief, the 2013 champion 2-year-old male.
Big Macher will be pointed for the $200,000 Palos Verdes Stakes at six furlongs on Jan. 31 at Santa Anita after he was scratched from Saturday’s $150,000 California Cup Sprint by trainer Richard Baltas.
The top five finishers in the recent Crater Lake Handicap at Portland Meadows, including upset winner Sportive, will meet again Sunday in the $35,000 Portland Mile Handicap, the biggest race of the year at Oregon’s flagship track.
Beholder, the two-time champion, is in full training at Santa Anita and drawing rave reviews from Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella.
Cozmic One, the first foal out of 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta, worked five furlongs in 1:03 on Friday at Santa Anita in preparation for his first start.
A memorial service for noted equine veterinarian Dr. Jack Robbins, who died in late November at age 93, will be held on Tuesday at Del Mar racetrack from 2 to 5 p.m. Pacific.
Prize Exhibit, fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in October, is expected to win her 2015 debut when she starts in an optional claimer at a mile on turf at Santa Anita on Sunday.
