Marathon distance should benefit Klondike Creek

ARCADIA, Calif. – Klondike Creek has done just enough this year on turf to give trainer Richard Mandella hope that he is a stakes runner in the making.

He won a maiden race at 1 1/8 miles here on Feb. 16, followed by a third-place finish in an optional claimer at 1 1/4 miles on March 12. On Friday, Klondike Creek will run in the longest race of his career, an optional claimer at 1 1/2 miles on turf. Mandella thinks the distance could be to the 4-year-old colt’s liking.

“I’ve always had a feeling if he’s going to be a good horse, that would be what he’d do,” Mandella said.

Klondike Creek drew the rail in a field of 10, nine of whom have never raced at the distance. Buster Douglas was third in the Group 1 Sao Paulo Stakes at 1 1/2 miles on turf in Brazil last May but is winless in four starts in this country. Buster Douglas was ninth in the Grade 2 San Luis Rey Stakes at 1 1/2 miles on turf March 25.

KEY CONTENDERS

Klondike Creek, Gio Ponti

Last 3 Beyers: 87-83-79

◗ Owned by Preston Madden, Klondike Creek was eighth in a maiden race on dirt last October in his debut and has raced exclusively on turf in four subsequent starts, finishing in the money in each race.

◗ In the March 12 race, Klondike Creek was second with an eighth of a mile remaining and faded to lose by 2 1/4 lengths to Beach View. Oscar Dominguez, second in that race, is part of Friday’s field. Mandella expected Klondike Creek to be more competitive in the final furlong of that race.

“We were kind of disappointed,” he said.

◗ Flavien Prat, the leading rider at the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting, retains the mount.

Prince of Arabia, by Mineshaft

Last 3 Beyers: 88-86-81

◗ Prince of Arabia has one win in 14 starts, having won a maiden race on dirt at Los Alamitos last April. He was a close second in optional claimers on turf in his first two starts this year March 5 and April 1.

◗ Trainer Jim Cassidy said Prince of Arabia will be near the front in Friday’s marathon and is a challenging mount for jockey Santiago Gonzalez.

“He’ll be right there,” he said. “He can be a tough ride.”

Conquest Sabre Cat, by Kitten’s Joy

Last 3 Beyers: 81-79-76

◗ This will be the first start against winners for Conquest Sabre Cat, who won by 5 3/4 lengths in a maiden race at a mile on turf March 19 in his 10th start.

◗ He is another likely to race near the front.