Ginobili likely to switch to turf for Speakeasy Stakes

Ginobili, fourth in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity on Sept. 2, is likely to make his turf debut in the $100,000 Speakeasy Stakes at five furlongs at Santa Anita on Oct. 6.

Trainer Richard Baltas said on Friday that the surface switch is being strongly considered for Ginobili, the impressive winner of a maiden special weight race at six furlongs at Del Mar on Aug. 17. Baltas ruled out a start in the Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes at 1 1/16 miles at Santa Anita on Sept. 27 for Ginobili.

Baltas said the Speakeasy Stakes holds appeal since the winner receives a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at five furlongs at Santa Anita on Nov. 1.

“I think he could be tough,” Baltas said.

Owned by Slam Dunk Racing, Jerry McClanahan, Michael Nentwig, and Baltas, Ginobili worked six furlongs in 1:14.20 at Santa Anita on Friday. Baltas said Ginobili actually worked five furlongs in 59.60 and the official time included Ginobili’s gallop-out.

Ginobili was beaten five lengths by the 35-1 winner Nucky in the Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs. Ginobili raced near the front for the first half-mile and led briefly on the turn before fading from contention.

“We were in close and we were near the pace,” Baltas said. “I didn’t really learn anything. He continues to train like a good horse.”

The American Pharoah Stakes field is expected to include Nucky, who worked five furlongs in 1:01.60 on Friday, his first workout at Santa Anita. Nucky has been based at the San Luis Rey Downs training center with trainer Peter Miller.

Owned by Rockingham Ranch, Nucky won the Del Mar Futurity by 2 3/4 lengths over stablemate Wrecking Crew. The $300,000 American Pharoah Stakes is a key prep for the BC Juvenile at the same 1 1/16-mile distance on Nov. 1.

Friday, Miller said Wrecking Crew recently returned to his stable after being given a break this month to be treated for ulcers. He will not start in the American Pharoah. Miller said he was not certain whether Wrecking Crew would start in the BC Juvenile.