Santa Anita
Big Kick pointing to Del Mar Handicap
Shigeki Kikkawa Big Kick wins the San Juan Capistrano on Sunday at Santa Anita
Big Kick, who led throughout Sunday’s Grade 2 San Juan Capistrano Stakes over about 1 3/4 miles on turf at Santa Anita, will not race again until the $200,000 Del Mar Handicap over 1 3/8 miles on turf Aug. 23, trainer Mike Machowsky said.
“I think the key for him is distance,” Machowsky said.
Prior to the San Juan, Big Kick won an optional claimer over 1 1/4 miles on turf June 13, his first win in three starts on turf. Owned by a partnership, Big Kick was eligible to be claimed for $50,000 that day. In both races, Big Kick led throughout. He won the San Juan Capistrano as a 9-2 shot by 2 3/4 lengths over 3-5 Quick Casablanca.
“The San Juan is one of those races – being raised here – that you dream of winning,” Machowsky said.