Joseph leaning toward Big Cap for Skippylongstocking
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Barring a late change of heart, Skippylongstocking, winner of the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup on Jan. 24, is likely to make his next start in the Grade 1, $300,000 Santa Anita Handicap on March 7, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. said Friday.
“We’re booked to go to California Sunday. It’s not 100 percent, but that’s where we’re leaning right now. It’s a Grade 1, it makes sense. He’s already won on the track, the timing’s right.”
Last May, Skippylongstocking won the Grade 2 Gold Cup at Santa Anita. In 2023, he finished third to Cody’s Wish in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita.
Following his Pegasus victory, Skippylongstocking had been under consideration for the $12 million Dubai World Cup on March 28 in Meydan. That race is expected to include Saudi Cup winner Forever Young.
“You go to Dubai, you eliminate the next three months,” Joseph said.
On Friday, Skippylongstocking worked a half-mile in 48.40 seconds in company with the Grade 2 stakes-winning filly Indy Bay.
“The work got a little messed up,” Joseph said. “They were supposed to stay more steady, but they went a little quicker than they were supposed to go, but he’s shown good energy from the Pegasus.”
Joseph said he also is planning to run Dazzling Move in the Grade 1 Beholder Mile on the same March 7 card.
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