Lord Simba gives depth to Drefong's connections

ARCADIA, Calif. - The emergence of Lord Simba in the last month has given owners Charles and Susan Chu and trainer Bob Baffert depth in the California sprint division.

They own Drefong, the champion sprinter of 2016, who is being pointed to a return to racing at the Del Mar summer meeting. Lord Simba won his stakes debut in Saturday’s Grade 3 Los Angeles Stakes at Santa Anita.

Lord Simba beat maidens by eight lengths in a six-furlong race March 19, in his fourth start. Baffert started Lord Simba in the $100,000 Los Angeles Stakes when the race drew a small field. Lord Simba contested the pace throughout and won by 2 1/4 lengths over Eastwood, running six furlongs in 1:08.74.

Baffert thought Lord Simba was ready for a top effort after watching the 4-year-old colt work five furlongs in 59.20 seconds April 11.

“He worked so good the other day,” said Baffert on Sunday.

Drefong, 4, has not raced since winning the Breeders’ Cup Sprint here last November. Drefong had three workouts in January and February, but has not worked since.

“He’ll be ready for the Bing Crosby,” Baffert said.

The Grade 1 Bing Crosby at six furlongs is run at Del Mar on July 29.