Longshots look for piece of Santa Anita Derby, Oaks

ARCADIA, Calif. – The longshots Trinitas Soldier and Kay Kay are under consideration for, respectively, the $1 million Santa Anita Derby and $400,000 Santa Anita Oaks on April 9, according to racing officials.

Trinitas Soldier was second in a $75,000 claimer for maidens March 20. Trainer Jorge Periban said on Friday that a decision on whether to take a chance in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby at 1 1/8 miles will be made in consultation with owner Zephyr Racing.

The Santa Anita Derby field is expected to be led by Danzing Candy and Mor Spirit, who were first and second in the $400,345 San Felipe Stakes on March 12. Other candidates are Denman’s Call, Exaggerator, Iron Rob, Smokey Image, and Uncle Lino.

The Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks is run at 1 1/16 miles and is expected to be led by the champion Songbird, who has won all six of her starts.

Kay Kay beat maidens in her debut last June at Gulfstream Park, when trained by Mary Lightner, and was second to Bellamentary in an optional claimer here March 18, her second start and her first for owners David and Holly Wilson and trainer Vladimir Cerin.

Other candidates for the Santa Anita Oaks are Forever Darling, Mokat, and She’s a Warrior.