Big City Lights to miss Best Pal Stakes, point to Del Mar Futurity
Big City Lights, the dazzling 2-year-old who won his first two starts at Santa Anita by nearly 20 combined lengths, will miss the Grade 2 Best Pal Stakes on Saturday at Del Mar and instead aim to the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity on Sept. 6.
Trained by Luis Mendez and owned by William Peeples, Big City Lights won his debut by more than 12 lengths, and followed with a romp by more than seven on June 20 in the $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Futurity. His 93 debut Beyer at 4 1/2 furlongs is the season’s highest by a U.S. 2-year-old; his 85 in the five-furlong stakes is fifth-highest.
Racing and bloodstock advisor John Brocklebank confirmed Wednesday afternoon via text the California-bred son of Mr. Big remained a candidate for the Futurity.
“Big City Lights about two days after his [July 27] work just seemed a little bit different than he normally is, so we’ve decided to give him a pass on the Best Pal and put the crosshairs up on the Del Mar Futurity,” Brocklebank said.
The bullet workout at Del Mar, a half-mile in 46.80, seemingly had Big City Lights on tilt for the six-furlong Best Pal. Brocklebank, Mendez, and Peeples are hopeful the interruption is minor, while acknowledging the unfortunate timing.
“Of course, we are all extremely disappointed to say the least,” Brocklebank said. “We might be wrong because [Wednesday] he was bouncing out of his skin. Talked it over with Luis and Bill, and I think this is the safe approach.”
Without flashy Big City Lights, the Best Pal is a scramble. Contenders include Pappacap, a highly regarded maiden winner trained by Mark Casse; Peter Miller-trained Bet On Mookie and Aquitania Arriva; and Walther Solis-trained Finneus and Thirsty Always.
The Best Pal is race 9 Saturday. The Grade 2 Yellow Ribbon for turf fillies and mares, including Maxim Rate and Charmaine’s Mia, is race 10.