Aristocratic makes first start for Callaghan in Laz Barrera Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – This week has been a crash course in learning about the colt Aristocratic for trainer Simon Callaghan.

Aristocratic arrived Monday from trainer Doug O’Neill’s stable and starts in Saturday’s Grade 3 Lazaro Barrera Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs at Santa Anita. O’Neill and owner Kaleem Shah parted ways last weekend. Callaghan added a stakes winner who is likely to be favored in the $100,000 Barrera.

“We’re learning about the horse,” Callaghan said on Thursday. “He’s jogged and galloped, and we’ve tried to keep him happy. The lead-up work is done with him. It’s a matter of keeping him on the same path.”

Aristocratic won the minor San Pedro Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs on April 16 and is the only stakes winner in a field of six in the Barrera.

The competition includes Bobby Abu Dhabi and Taxman’s Quest, who were second and fifth in the San Pedro, and Kimbear and American Anthem, who were sixth and 12th in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 8. The Barrera is the stakes debut of Sutton Impact, the easy winner of a $75,000 claimer for maidens on April 15.

Laz Barrera, Race 5

KEY CONTENDERS

Aristocratic, by Malibu Moon

Last 3 Beyers: 85-57-81

◗ Aristocratic rebounded from a poor sixth in the Gazebo Stakes at Oaklawn Park on March 4 to lead throughout the San Pedro, drawing off by 4 1/2 lengths. Aristocratic has had two workouts since that race, including six furlongs in 1:14 last Saturday.

◗ O’Neill and Callaghan spoke briefly about Aristocratic during the transition.

“He told me a little bit about him and how he’s training,” Callaghan said. “Doug was very helpful with the switch-over. With a little more distance, we’ll get an idea where we are with him.”

◗ Aristocratic drew the outside post, which Callaghan considers an asset. Sutton Impact is speedy and could be an early target for jockey Rafael Bejarano on Aristocratic.

“Being on the outside is a big help,” Callaghan said. “There is a little bit of speed on the inside.”

Bobby Abu Dhabi, by Macho Uno

Last 3 Beyers: 75-82-50

◗ Bobby Abu Dhabi won his 2017 debut in an optional claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs on March 17 but was second as the even-money favorite in the San Pedro. Bobby Abu Dhabi was last in the five-horse field to the turn and never threatened Aristocratic.

“He might have bounced off a big effort,” trainer Peter Miller said. “He might have been a little flat.

“We like the seven-eighths. It should set up for him.”

American Anthem, by Bodemeister

Last 3 Beyers: 71-69-94

◗ American Anthem was a promising second to Gormley in the Grade 3 Sham Stakes at Santa Anita in January but disappointed trainer Bob Baffert with two subsequent poor performances – a 10th in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park in March and a 12th behind Gormley in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 8.

“I thought he’d run well the last two times,” Baffert said. “I’m trying to shorten him up and see if one turn helps.”

◗ Baffert said he was discouraged after American Anthem drew the inside.

“I don’t like his post,” he said. “I was hoping to be outside.”