Big Macher sizzles in Golden Shaheen work

ARCADIA, Calif. - Big Macher lit up the track Wednesday in preparation for the $2 million Golden Shaheen in Dubai – he blazed six furlongs in a bullet 1:09.20. The time was the fastest of the day by one second. He broke off five lengths behind and caught his workmate late.

“I wanted to tighten the screws, but not that much,” trainer Richard Baltas said. “He went a little faster than I wanted. But he galloped out seven furlongs in 1:21 and 3.”

Javier Castellano will ride Big Macher in Dubai, according to Baltas. Big Macher is scheduled to leave for Dubai on Tuesday, along with Golden Shaheen probable Secret Circle and Dubai World Cup candidate California Chrome.

Big Macher won the Grade 1 Bing Crosby last summer at Del Mar. He finished fifth of six in his most recent start Jan. 31 in the Grade 2 Palos Verdes.

Callback eyes Sunland Oaks

The top 3-year-old filly in California will make her next start in New Mexico. Callback, the winner of the Grade 1 Las Virgenes on Jan. 31, is targeting the $200,000 Sunland Oaks on March 22, according to trainer Bob Baffert. Callback, 2 for 4, worked six furlongs Thursday in 1:13.60. While the Sunland Oaks likely precludes Callback from running in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks, Baffert still will start one of the favorites in that race in Luminance.

Luminance overcame a slow start and a wide trip to win her Feb. 28 comeback in an allowance route. Baffert said the Santa Anita Oaks will be her next start. Others aiming for the Santa Anita Oaks include Santa Ysabel Stakes winner Stellar Wind and China Doll Stakes runner-up Curlin’s Fox.