Mullins carries momentum into Lewis

ARCADIA, Calif. – Trainer Jeff Mullins has momentum heading into Saturday, when he'll start Grade 1 winner Intrepido in the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita.

Mullins won with two of three starters Friday, including a runaway by heavily favored Liam Smith ($3.40) in race 6. The colt won the 6 1/2-furlong starter allowance for 3-year-olds by 11 lengths, the largest margin of victory at the winter meet.

Liam Smith, claimed by Mullins and owner Les Blake from a $50,000 maiden claiming victory two weeks ago, won in 1:16.56 under Emisael Jaramillo. Mullins also won race 2 Friday with Uncle Chilly, while his race 7 starter, Tessuto, finished fifth.

Intrepido, winner of the Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes last fall at Santa Anita, makes his 2026 debut Saturday as the 7-2 second choice in the one-mile Lewis. Desert Gate is the 6-5 program favorite.