British Isles likely for Gold Cup next
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British Isles, a convincing winner of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap in March, has emerged from a sixth-place finish in the Grade 2 Ben Ali Stakes at Keeneland on April 18 in good condition, trainer Richard Baltas said on Friday.
Baltas said he is considering the Grade 2 Hollywood Gold Cup at Santa Anita on May 25 for British Isles.
“I think the Gold Cup would be a good race for him,” Baltas said. “He likes this track.”
The $200,000 Hollywood Gold Cup is run at 1 1/4 miles, the same distance as the Big Cap.
British Isles was the 5-1 fourth choice in a field of eight in the $350,000 Ben Ali Stakes. British Isles was as close as second on the turn while racing wide before fading to finish 11 1/4 lengths behind 8-5 favorite Stars and Stripes.
“He came back okay,” Baltas said. “I think the track was a little deep for him, maybe the competition.
“He had no excuse. He was in the race and was traveling well.”
Owned by Slam Dunk Racing, Cynthia McFarland and Baltas’s wife, Debby, British Isles has won 4 of 25 starts and earned $556,201.
On Saturday, Baltas starts Watchtower in the Grade 3 Royal Heroine Stakes for fillies and mares at a mile on turf.
Watchtower was third by a neck in the Grade 3 Robert Frankel Stakes at 1 1/8miles on turf at Santa Anita on Jan. 8, but was eased in the stretch of the Grade 2 Buena Vista Stakes at a mile on turf on Feb. 28.
Watchtower has since had six workouts since mid-March for the $100,000 Royal Heroine Stakes and has undergone recent veterinary exams.
“I’ve done several requirements by the state vets, and she’s passed everything,” Baltas “She’s been working good. I don’t see any issues with her.”
Watchtower will be ridden by 28-year-old Welfin Orantes, who is seeking his first career stakes win. Orantes has won 58 races since his career began in 2022, including five races this year. He has been aboard Watchtower in some of her recent workouts.
“He’s worked her enough,” Baltas said. “I feel comfortable with him on the horse.”
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