Kobe's Back going coast to coast

Plans for Kobe’s Back

ARCADIA, Calif. - Kobe’s Back, the leading sprinter in California this year, was third in the $500,000 Churchill Downs Stakes last Saturday and probably will have two more starts in advance of the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Santa Anita in November.

Trainer Peter Eurton said Kobe’s Back is likely to start in the $300,000 Triple Bend Stakes at seven furlongs at Santa Anita on June 25, followed by a potential start in the $700,000 Forego Stakes at seven furlongs at Saratoga on Aug. 27. Those races would lead to an appearance in the $2 million BC Sprint at six furlongs on Nov. 5.

Eurton said the distances of the Triple Bend and Forego are attractive, as is the time between races. He left open the possibility that Kobe’s Back could run at Del Mar, possibly in the $200,000 Pat O’Brien Stakes at seven furlongs on Aug. 27.

Owned by Lee and Susan Searing, Kobe’s Back, 5, has won 5 of 19 starts and $1,000,250.

◗ The Thoroughbred Owners of California is hosting a conformation clinic for the public at Santa Anita on Saturday. The free workshop will include a seminar on conformation strengths and weaknesses and a trip to the stables. Trainers Jim Cassidy, Matt Chew, Eddie Truman, and Howard Zucker will host groups at their respective stables to discuss conformation.

The program begins at 10 a.m. Pacific. Reservations are recommended by contacting the TOC’s Santa Anita office at (626) 574-6620.