Friar's Road's San Marcos victory earns him possible trip to Keeneland

Last fall, Friar’s Road was pre-entered in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita, but failed to draw into the field.

The same race is a goal this fall, at Keeneland in November, which looks like a very suitable race considering Friar’s Road’s 2022 debut win in the Grade 2 San Marcos Stakes at Santa Anita on Jan. 30.

Friar’s Road won the 1 1/4-mile San Marcos Stakes by 4 1/4 lengths as the 11-10 favorite, stalking the pace before drawing clear for his first stakes win.

“He ran to his training,” trainer Michael McCarthy said Friday.

McCarthy said he plans a domestic campaign this year for Friar’s Road, which may include a trip to Keeneland for the Grade 2 Elkhorn Stakes, a $350,000 race on April 23 at 1 1/2 miles on turf.

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“It could be something like that,” McCarthy said of Friar’s Road’s next start. “The horse came out of the race in good order.”

Owned by William Warren Jr. and his wife, Suzanne, Friar’s Road has won 3 of 13 starts. Last fall, Friar’s Road was third in two Grade 2 races – the John Henry Turf Championship at Santa Anita and the Hollywood Turf Cup at Del Mar.