Ocho Ocho Ocho targets San Felipe for comeback

Ocho Ocho Ocho, unraced since winning the $1 million Delta Jackpot Stakes in Louisiana in November, is on schedule for a comeback March 7 in the $400,000 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita.

On Thursday, Ocho Ocho Ocho worked five furlongs in 59.40 seconds. Trainer Jim Cassidy timed Ocho Ocho Ocho in 59, galloping out six furlongs in 1:12.20 and a mile in 1:40.20.

“He did a little more than I anticipated,” Cassidy said.

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Jockey Santiago Gonzalez was aboard Ocho Ocho Ocho, who will be ridden by Mike Smith in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at 1 1/16 miles.

The San Felipe is a key prep for the $1 million Santa Anita Derby at 1 1/8 miles April 4. The San Felipe field is likely to include Bolo, who won the Eddie Logan Stakes on turf in December, Prospect Park, the winner of an optional claimer for 3-year-olds Jan. 30, and the maiden-race winner Cyrus Alexander.

Bolo was considered for the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes on Feb. 7 but was sidelined briefly with a muscle strain. He is back in full training, trainer Carla Gaines said Thursday.