Blackjackcat still possible for American Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – A decision on whether the multiple stakes winner Blackjackcat will start in Saturday’s Grade 3 American Stakes at Santa Anita may be delayed until the morning of the race.

Owners Al and Sandee Kirkwood and trainer Mark Glatt are contemplating whether to run Blackjackcat in the $100,000 American Stakes or the Grade 3 San Simeon Stakes on the hillside turf course April 29 to prepare Blackjackcat for the Grade 1 Frank Kilroe Mile on May 28.

Last weekend, Glatt was leaning toward the San Simeon, but said Thursday that Blackjackcat has trained well in recent days, leaving the American a strong possibility.

“We’re probably inclined to run on Saturday,” he said.

“We will take a look at the San Simeon and keep that as an option. We’ll make our decision and hopefully that will set him up for a shot at the Shoemaker Mile.”

Blackjackcat would be a strong favorite in the American Stakes. Last November, Blackjackcat was third in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar. In his lone subsequent start, Blackjackcat was fifth as the even-money favorite in the Grade 3 Thunder Road Stakes at a mile on turf here Feb. 10.

Blackjackcat is part of a field of nine in the American Stakes, the eighth race on an 11-race program that begins at noon Pacific.

KEY CONTENDERS

Blackjackcat, by Tale of the Cat
Last 3 Beyers: 88-103-94

◗ Blackjackcat won three consecutive turf stakes before the BC Mile, including the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile last August. The Thunder Road performance left Glatt puzzled, but he said Thursday that he has been encouraged by Blackjackcat’s last two workouts, both at five furlongs, in 1:01 on April 8 and in 1:01.20 on April 15.

“He’s not a particularly good work horse,” Glatt said. “His work two back was exceptional. He had a target in front of him.”

◗ Kent Desormeaux, who has ridden Blackjackcat in his last four starts, has the mount Saturday.

Kenjisstorm, by Stormy Atlantic
Last 3 Beyers: 95-96-97

◗ There will be ample support for Kenjisstorm, who beat Free Rose and Fabozzi in an optional claimer at a mile on turf March 29. Free Rose and Fabozzi are entered in the American.

◗ Trained by Phil D’Amato, Kenjisstorm is most effective as a stalker and should have a pace to follow Saturday.

Ritzy A.P., by English Channel
Last 3 Beyers: 90-87-86

◗ Ritzy A.P. has yet to win a stakes and was sixth in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby on Nov. 25, his most recent start.

“He was battling a minor foot issue last year and I don’t think he ran his best races,” trainer Dan Blacker said. “He seems 100 percent now and much stronger as a 4-year-old.”