Johnny Podres brings good form to Eddie D, has eye on BC Turf Sprint
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Johnny Podres must earn his way into the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar on Nov. 2.
A 7-year-old, Johnny Podres is scheduled to start in the richest running of the Grade 2 Eddie D Stakes at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita on Sept. 28.
The value of the race has been enhanced from $200,000 in 2023 to $750,000 this year, one of three stakes with significantly higher purses on Sept. 28 through a promotion by the track’s parent company, 1/ST Racing.
The winner of the Eddie D Stakes receives $450,000 and Johnny Podres may need a win to justify a $100,000 supplemental nomination fee. In addition, there are $30,000 in pre-entry and entry fees.
The gelding races for Rockingham Ranch and David Bernsen.
“If we win, they would supplement him,” trainer Librado Boracio said on Sunday. “They want to win that one and go to the Breeders’ Cup.
“The purse is so big it will pay for it.”
Johnny Podres is approaching the Eddie D Stakes in good form. On Aug. 31, Johnny Podres rallied from 10th with a furlong remaining to finish second by three-quarters of a length to Motorious in the Grade 3 Green Flash Handicap at five furlongs on turf at Del Mar.
“He came flying,” Boracio said.
On Saturday, Johnny Podres worked a half-mile in 48 seconds on the infield synthetic training track at Santa Anita, his first major exercise since the Green Flash Handicap.
“He did it well within himself,” Boracio said. “He was just cruising. He came back happy.”
Johnny Podres was claimed for $40,000 in May 2023 and has since earned $248,230.
Earlier this year, Johnny Podres won stakes in consecutive starts on the hillside turf course – the Sensational Star Stakes for California-breds in March and the Siren Lure Stakes against open company in April.
Motorious is “possible” for the Eddie D Stakes, trainer Phil D’Amato said on Sunday.
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