Big Scott Daddy meets Neptune's Storm in Pasadena

ARCADIA, Calif. – A lightly raced colt with major upside meets a slow-developing gelding whose experience might give him the advantage in the $100,000 Pasadena Stakes for 3-year-olds on turf Saturday at Santa Anita.

Although he has started just twice, both times on dirt, Big Scott Daddy will be among the favorites while switching to turf for the Pasadena. By comparison, Neptune’s Storm is a seasoned veteran. Last out, in the sixth start of his career, he ran the race of his career, winning a first-level turf allowance.

Nine entered the Pasadena, and the one-mile turf race has become easier already. Much Better, the projected pacesetter, was entered to run only if the race is switched to dirt, according to trainer Bob Baffert. Rain is expected, but barring a monsoon, the race will stay on turf, and Much Better will scratch.

Either surface is fine for Big Scott Daddy, a debut sprint winner and a better-than-it-looked third in an entry-level allowance route. Racing over a sloppy track that promoted the inside, Big Scott Daddy raced wide in the allowance.

“We threw a lot at him, to go from one sprint to a route,” trainer Mike Puype said. “It was not ideal, but there wasn’t a better option. Off one sprint, he probably got a little tired.”

Big Scott Daddy is by Scat Daddy, though pedigree is not why he is switching surfaces. The colt could have run Friday in a main-track allowance, but Puype concluded the $100,000 Pasadena would be easier than the $57,000 allowance with Nolo Contesto, Dessman and Roadster.

“I’m running for double the money and in way easier,” Puype said.

Big Scott Daddy gets distracted in races and workouts; Puype and jockey Mike Smith believe he will benefit from the addition of blinkers.

As for Neptune’s Storm, he has attributes Big Scott Daddy lacks, including experience on turf and two wins around two turns. Bill Morey trains Neptune’s Storm, who finally has figured things out.

“It took him a little while, but I think he’s just putting it all together,” Morey said. “We always had high hopes for him.”

Neptune’s Storm won last out by 1 1/4 lengths, with plenty left at the wire.

The Pasadena is race 6. The field includes Stubbins, Eagle Song, the filly Colonial Creed, Shining Through, first-time gelding Rijeka, and Mayor Cobb.

KEY CONTENDERS

Big Scott Daddy, by Scat Daddy
Beyers: 78-79

◗ If his performance Saturday justifies the move, the Santa Anita Derby will be considered for his next start.

Neptune’s Storm, by Stormy Atlantic
Last 3 Beyers: 75-75-61

◗ He won on “good” turf last out; a wet course Saturday would be fine.

Colonial Creed, by Jimmy Creed
Last 3 Beyers: 80-78-57

◗ She finished second last out in a stakes for fillies and looms a contender on speed figures.

Stubbins, by Morning Line
Last 3 Beyers: 80-79-72

◗ He is the likely pacesetter with the scratch of Much Better.

Rijeka, by Roderic O’Connor
Last 3 Beyers: 67-77-82

◗ He placed in three stakes, finished fourth last out at odds-on, then was gelded.