Free's review: Favorite Kobe's Back disappoints

Barrera bomb

Kobe’s Back was expected to win the Grade 3 Lazaro Barrera at odds of 7-10. He did not. Kobe’s Back broke slowly again, but that is not a valid alibi for his disappointing fourth in the low-rated, seven-furlong stakes.

Kobe’s Back lost by 2 1/2 lengths and might need a rest. He was flat in the lane. His recent travel itinerary includes races in California, Arkansas, New York, and back to California.

The longshot winner was Top Fortitude, disrespected by bettors to the tune of $62.20. To find him, one only needed to disregard his comeback and focus on his stylish debut (synthetic) that earned a 92 Beyer, second highest in the field.

A sibling to graded stakes winner Uh Oh Bango, Top Fortitude ran seven furlongs in 1:22.98 earned an 85 Beyer. Not fast. Top Fortitude also was fortunate because runner-up Tonito M. was best.

Tonito M. was making his U.S. debut for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer after winning 6 of 7 in Puerto Rico. He was shuffled out of position on the far turn when Kobe’s Back passed him on the inside.

Tonito M. re-rallied and missed by 1 1/2 lengths. With a clean trip, he probably would have won. The handicapping dilemma next time will be to gauge the relevance of trouble in a low-rated race.

Bejarano, jockey notes

Rafael Bejarano is sidelined to recover from injuries sustained in an ugly race 4 spill. It was a $75,000 maiden claiming turf sprint. Gameboy Luke broke down nearing the dirt crossing and later was euthanized.

Bejarano fell hard and sustained a broken collarbone, rib, and shoulder. Bejarano, 31, is the dominant rider in Southern California. On the sidelines for an undetermined recovery period, Bejarano’s absence pushes others up a notch. Joe Talamo was already the meet’s leading rider with 13 wins. He will solidify that role and is expected to lead the meet. Tyler Baze, currently third in the standings with 10 wins, will be in close pursuit.

** Kayla Stra won her first U.S. stakes, guiding Top Fortitude to an upset in the Grade 3 Lazaro Barrera Stakes. Stra, 29, continues as one of the top underrated riders on the circuit.

** Elvis Trujillo, based at Gulfstream Park, announced plans to relocate to California. Trujillo, third in the Gulfstream standings, was named on two runners Sunday at Santa Anita for trainer Doug O’Neill. According to a Gulfstream release, Trujillo will ride next weekend at Gulfstream before he begins his California venture. Trujillo’s agent in California will be Tom Knust.

Mile dirt bias

Like a closer in a one-mile dirt race? Better rethink things. Valley Cat was even-money in race 3, a race that would seemingly fall apart in favor of his style. The two pacesetters (Toledo Eddie, Timeless Indy) screamed to a six-length lead over the rest of the field with a half-mile in 45.45 seconds.

Valley Cat picked up momentum on the far turn and into the lane, but Toledo Eddie ($23.20) kept running. Valley Cat hung and finished second. Since April 1, all 15 one-mile dirt races have been won by a horse within two lengths of the lead at the first pace call (opening half-mile), while 12 were won by a horse within one length.

A pair of mile dirt races Sunday will test the speed-friendly profile. In race 1, even-money Ice Cream Truck will be forwardly placed, but race 6 favorite Mensa Heat will rally from the middle of the field.

Negative notes

Kerrilyn was the 7-5 favorite in race 6, a $25,000 claiming turf sprint for fillies and mares. She recently had been scratched by the vet with only one work since. Kerrilyn was completely empty at the head of the lane, finished fifth, and was claimed by Robertino Diodoro. The claim was later voided when Kerrilyn was off in the left front.

Queen of the Hill was the 8-5 favorite in race 8, a California-bred allowance turf sprint for fillies and mares. She was favored based on her dirt form. Turf was unknown. She was fractious in the gate, then hopped and broke far behind the field when the gates opened. Back to dirt.

Horses to watch

TONITO M.
Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Last race: May 10, 8th
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/2
Beyer: 82

The first U.S. start by this shipper from Puerto Rico was promising. He was shuffled back on the far turn, lost position, re-rallied, and likely was best. Good comeback by a colt who can run long.

SOUTHERN SUNSHINE
Trainer: Peter Miller
Last race: May 10, race 9
Finish: Fourth by 12 lengths
Beyer: 56

This comeback maiden looked super in the post parade, but she bobbled and was away poorly from the inside post. She recovered, chased, loomed, and faded. The maiden filly deserves another chance from an outside draw.