American Anthem may stretch out in next start

ARCADIA, Calif. - American Anthem has been a seven-furlong specialist in his first 10 starts, and has won three graded stakes at the distance.

After a victory in Sunday’s Grade 2 San Carlos Stakes at seven furlongs at Santa Anita, trainer Bob Baffert said he may try something new with the 4-year-old.

“I think I want to stretch him out,” Baffert said.

On Sunday, Baffert mentioned two options for American Anthem – the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap at 1 1/16 miles at Del Mar on July 21, or the Grade 1 Forego Stakes at seven furlongs at Saratoga on Aug. 25.

Ridden by Mike Smith, American Anthem won the $251,035 San Carlos Stakes as the 9-10 favorite by a head over St. Joe Bay, who was claimed last month for $62,500. American Anthem was timed in 1:22.12 and earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 105.

American Anthem has won 5 of 10 starts. A colt by Bodemeister, American Anthem has started around two turns twice, finishing 10th in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park in March 2017 and 12th in the Santa Anita Derby a month later.

Baffert said American Anthem is a different horse this year.

“I think he’s getting better with age,” Baffert said.

American Anthem certainly has a famous next-stall neighbor in the Baffert barn in Triple Crown winner Justify.

American Anthem is owned by WinStar Farm, Head of Plains Partners, China Horse Club and SF Racing and has earned $673,945.