Baffert has two ready for Sunland's big day

Several Southern Californians have March 18 and Sunland Park circled on their calendar.

Trainer Bob Baffert will reportedly send San Vicente Stakes runner-up Law Breaker to Sunland that day for the $600,000 WinStar Derby. Baffert dominated last year's WinStar Derby with the one-two finishers Wanna Runner and Sky Diving. Southern California-based Aaron Gryder is expected to ride Law Breaker.

The Baffert-trained Tough Tiz's Sis, who overcame considerable trouble to win a first-level allowance at Santa Anita on Feb. 25, is expected to target the $200,000 WinStar Sunland Park Oaks on the same day. Tough Tiz's Sis, a daughter of Tiznow, was blocked behind runners at the quarter pole of her allowance race and nearly came to a complete stop, but she got going again along inside to win.

Baffert said he specifically wants to avoid Rags to Riches, winner of the Grade 1 Las Virgenes who looms a heavy favorite for the Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks on Sunday. Victor Espinoza is expected in to ride Tough Tiz's Sis. Espinoza also will ride Song of Navarone in the derby. Song of Navarone, based at Sunland and trained by Henry Dominguez, was third in the Sham at Santa Anita last month.