Extra Hope finds easier spot in Thursday allowance

ARCADIA, Calif. – Extra Hope, who finished third in the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Futurity on Dec. 8, would easily fit in Saturday’s Grade 3 Robert Lewis Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita.

Instead, trainer Richard Mandella has chosen a lesser race – an allowance race with an $80,000 claiming option at a mile for 3-year-olds, Thursday’s seventh race. A 2019 stakes appearance could arrive very soon for Extra Hope if he performs to expectations Thursday.

“I’m trying to find something to build his confidence,” Mandella said. “Mine, too.”

Extra Hope will be tested in the optional claimer, which drew a field of seven. The race includes two well-regarded recent maiden winners – Big Scott Daddy and Kingly – and Gray Magician, who was fourth in the Grade 3 Sham Stakes at a mile here Jan. 5 in his stakes debut.

Manhattan Up, Palladium, and Swamp Souffle will be longer prices.

KEY CONTENDERS

Extra Hope, by Shanghai Bobby
Last 3 Beyers: 83-81-82

◗ Owned by Samantha Siegel’s Jay Em Ess Stable, Extra Hope won a maiden race at 1 1/16 miles in his fourth start here in October. He was fourth, beaten 2 1/4 lengths by Mucho Gusto, in the Grade 3 Bob Hope Stakes at seven furlongs on Nov. 17 at Del Mar and was beaten eight lengths by Improbable in the Los Alamitos Futurity at 1 1/16 miles.

◗ Mandella said Extra Hope needs to progress to be a factor in Thursday’s race.

“He’s doing really well,” Mandella said. “He’s a healthy colt. We’re trying to turn up the volume button a notch. I think he can show improvement.”

◗ Extra Hope will be ridden by Flavien Prat, who was aboard for the recent stakes appearances. Extra Hope drew the outside post, which should allow Prat to position the colt as a stalker.

◗ On Sunday, Extra Hope worked three furlongs in 36.20 seconds.

Big Scott Daddy, by Scat Daddy
Last Beyer: 79

◗ Owned by Slugo Racing and Paymaster Racing, Big Scott Daddy closed from fourth in a field of 11 to win a maiden special weight race at 6 1/2 furlongs in his career debut here Dec. 26. On Sunday, Big Scott Daddy worked a half-mile in 49.20.

“I wanted enough to open up his air,” trainer Mike Puype said.

◗ Puype said Big Scott Daddy was considered for the Lewis Stakes.

“I like the progression to go in an allowance race instead of the Grade 3,” he said. “He’s a healthy, very sound, athletic horse. He’s got a good mind, too.”

Kingly, by Tapit
Last Beyer: 79

◗ Kingly scored a hard-fought win in a maiden special weight race at six furlongs on Dec. 1 at Del Mar in his debut, dueling for the lead throughout. He won by three-quarters of a length under Drayden Van Dyke, who retains the mount.

◗ Trainer Bob Baffert said Kingly needed time to recover from his first start.

“He took a step back in his training after that race, but now he’s coming along,” he said.