Alright Alright finally healthy enough to run

Considering what Alright Alright has been through in the last 20 months, it’s remarkable that the 4-year-old colt will return to racing in an optional claimer at Santa Anita in Sunday's ninth race.

Alright Alright was diagnosed with a knee injury after a second-place finish in the Grade 3 Bob Hope Stakes at Del Mar in November 2014. While recovering, Alright Alright broke his withers in an accident at a farm, further delaying his return to racing, according to trainer Jack Carava.

Owned by Red Barons Barn and Rancho Temescal, Alright Alright will start in an optional claimer at 5 1/2 furlongs. Carava has trained Alright Alright in recent months, taking over for Darrell Vienna, who retired in April.

Alright Alright, by Munnings, was purchased for $205,000 at the 2014 Barretts March sale of 2-year-olds in training. He has worked steadily in recent weeks for his comeback, including five furlongs in 59.20 seconds on July 1.

“We’re as ready as you can be for a horse that hasn’t run in [20] months,” Carava said on Friday. “He’s a cool little horse.”