New trainer says Synthesis will start in Santa Anita Derby

ARCADIA, Calif. – Synthesis, a well-beaten fourth in the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita on Feb. 10, was sold privately earlier this week and will start in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 6, new trainer George Papaprodromou said Friday.

Synthesis, who has one win in nine starts, was bought by Rustin Kretz, John Decker, and Jay Selby from Big Chief Racing, Madaket Stables, Rocker O Ranch, and trainer Keith Desormeaux. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, Papaprodromou said.

“We approached them and made an offer,” Papaprodromou said. “He’s a good-looking horse.”

The $1 million Santa Anita Derby will be the first Grade 1 appearance for Synthesis, who is by First Samurai.

“We’ll take a chance,” Papaprodromou said. “He’s already been two turns.”

Last summer, Synthesis was third in the Grade 2 Best Pal Stakes at six furlongs at Del Mar and later won a maiden special weight race at 1 1/16 miles at Keeneland in October.

The Santa Anita Derby is a key prep for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4.

The leading contenders for the Santa Anita Derby are Game Winner, who was second to Omaha Beach in a division of the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park on March 16, and Roadster, who won an optional claimer at a mile earlier this month in his 3-year-old debut.

Trainer Richard Mandella said Friday that he is strongly considering the Santa Anita Derby and the April 13 Arkansas Derby for Omaha Beach. Other potential starters for the Santa Anita Derby are Galilean, Gunmetal Gray, and Instagrand for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, and Nolo Contesto for John Sadler. Those runners are also being considered for other races, Hollendorfer and Sadler said.

Sparky Ville, who beat Synthesis in the San Vicente Stakes at seven furlongs, will start in the Grade 3 Bay Shore Stakes at seven furlongs at Aqueduct on April 6. Trainer Jeff Bonde said earlier this week he wants to keep Sparky Ville in races around one turn.