Bowies Hero looks to go 3 for 3 in Zuma Beach Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – Bowies Hero, undefeated in two starts, will be favored to win his second stakes in Monday’s $100,000 Zuma Beach Stakes for 2-year-olds on turf at Santa Anita.

The designation is deserved. Bowies Hero won his California debut in the Del Mar Juvenile Turf, closing from eighth in a field of 13 to win by a length. The performance left trainer Phil D’Amato gearing up for a start in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf on Nov. 4.

“He’s already stamped himself,” D’Amato said.

Stablemate Billy Big has more to prove. Imported from Ireland over the summer, Billy Big won his California debut against maidens Aug. 10 and was third behind Bowies Hero in the Del Mar Juvenile Turf on Sept. 3. Billy Big will race as a gelding for the first time in the Zuma Beach.

“We thought there was more than what he was giving us,” D’Amato said.

Those are just two of the 13 horses entered in a competitive running of the Zuma Beach, which will be limited to 12 starters. The Zuma Beach is the final race on a nine-race program that begins at 12:30 p.m. Pacific.

Big Score, second in the Del Mar Juvenile Turf, has excellent credentials but drew post 12. Offshore, Oopper Wallah, Riser, Sonic Boom, Sorry Erik, and Toshiro won maiden races in California and New York in their last starts and face a class test.

There is a notable import in Harbour Master, a two-time winner in England in July and August who arrived in California last week. Harbour Master was second in a minor handicap at a mile on turf at Doncaster Racecourse on Sept. 10 as the 5-2 favorite.

Recently purchased by Deron Pearson, Harbour Master is trained by Jamie Osborne and will stay in California with trainer Jim Cassidy after Monday’s race.

KEY CONTENDERS

Bowies Hero, by Artie Schiller
Last 2 Beyers: 81-58

◗ Bowies Hero, who races for Agave Racing Stable and Hebert Bloodstock, won his debut in a maiden race at Lone Star Park in July by 5 3/4 lengths. He was 9-2 in the Del Mar Juvenile Turf and ran to D’Amato’s hopes.

“I was expecting a good performance from the way he trained,” he said.

◗ Bowies Hero will be ridden by Rafael Bejarano and will be a factor from off the pace.

Billy Big, by Royal Applause
Last 2 Beyers: 65-64

◗ Billy Big was beaten 7 1/4 lengths by Bowies Hero in the Del Mar Juvenile Turf, closing from ninth. He needs an outstanding performance to be considered for the BC Juvenile Turf.

“I’m looking forward to seeing if he can step up,” D’Amato said. “He’ll need to step up. If he runs 1-2, we’ll consider it.”