Brazilian Group 1 winner makes U.S. debut

ARCADIA, Calif. – The only two-time Group 1 winner in race 7 at Santa Anita on Sunday is also the runner with the most to prove. Can Some in Tieme translate his successful Brazilian form from 2015 and 2016 to American racing in the optional claimer at 1 1/8 miles on turf?

Owned by the Some In Time partnership and trained by Paulo Lobo, the 5-year-old Some in Tieme has not raced since a second-place finish in the Group 1 Latinoamericano at 1 1/4 miles on turf last March. He was beaten a half-length by Don Inc but was promoted to first after the winner was later disqualified because of a medication violation.

There was no controversy surrounding Some in Tieme’s win in the Group 1 Linneo de Paulo Machoado in October 2015. He won the 1 1/4-mile turf race by 2 1/4 lengths.

Some in Tieme has had regular workouts in California since late October, although Lobo said the rain in January caused some disruption to training.

“He’s not a horse that gives excellent workouts, typical of grass horses,” Lobo said. “I’ve had him ready since the beginning of [last] month. The rain didn’t help.”

Asked if Some in Tieme can win on Sunday, Lobo said, “I think so.”

The optional claimer drew a strong field of nine.

Other contenders are Hayabusa One, fourth in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby at Del Mar on Dec. 3; Conquest Daddyo, a two-time stakes winner at Woodbine; Gustnado, the upset winner of an optional claimer Jan. 2; and Prospect Park, who won the Grade 3 La Jolla Handicap at Del Mar in 2015.