Om meets Obviously in Arcadia Stakes
ARCADIA, Calif. – Om is a 4-year-old and a three-time stakes winner in the last six months. During that time, he emerged as the top turf miler among Southern California-based 3-year-olds.
Obviously is an 8-year-old and a seven-time stakes winner since August 2012. He has raced sparingly in the last 18 months but is capable of a brilliant performance. Obviously was a game second to Flamboyant in the Grade 2 San Gabriel Stakes on Jan. 2.
Om and Obviously meet for the first time in the $200,000 Arcadia Stakes at a mile on turf in Saturday’s third race. At stake is the role of division leader in advance of the $400,000 Frank Kilroe Mile on March 12, the top race on turf at the current winter-spring meeting.
Seven were entered in the race, but two of them - Prospect Park and Big Cazanova - also were entered in a Sunday allowance and are expected to run there.
KEY CONTENDERS
Obviously, by Choisir
Last 3 Beyers: 104-93-102
◗ Obviously, who races for Anthony Fanticola and Joe Scardino, will set the pace, trainer Phil D’Amato said on Thursday.
“We’re faster than Om,” he said.
◗ Obviously led in the San Gabriel Stakes at 1 1/8 miles and was caught in the final strides by Flamboyant, who returned to win the Grade 2 San Marcos Stakes last Saturday.
“I think we got beat by a horse that’s on the improve,” D’Amato said of Flamboyant.
◗ Obviously is winless in five starts since the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile in June 2014, a losing streak that does not concern D’Amato.
“He trains like an 8-year-old going on 4,” D’Amato said. “He’s a gladiator. He gives you everything he’s got.”
Om, by Munnings
Last 3 Beyers: 100-97-97
◗ Om, who races for K.B. Sareen, has won three of his last four starts, all in stakes, with the setback a game third in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby on Nov. 28. In the Grade 2 Mathis Brothers Mile on Dec. 26, Om stalked the pace, took the lead in early stretch, and won by a convincing 1 3/4 lengths.
◗ The Arcadia Stakes will be Om’s first start against older horses.
“I don’t mind facing older horses, but I don’t like facing an older horse like Obviously that is so fast,” trainer Dan Hendricks said. “It will be interesting to see.”
Bolo, by Temple City
Last 3 Beyers: 89-94-86
◗ Bolo was third in the Santa Anita Derby and 12th in the Kentucky Derby last year. Switched to turf last spring, he won an allowance race here in May but was vanned off after finishing last of nine in the Grade 1 Belmont Derby on turf last July.
Bolo did not suffer an injury in the race, trainer Carla Gaines said. She said the colt was taken out of training last August because of a sore shin.
◗ The Arcadia will be Bolo’s first start since the Belmont Derby.
“I think he’s as fit as I can get him for his first start,” Gaines said. “He’s changed pretty dramatically. He’s a lot more mature, more relaxed in his training.”
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: No. 5 Bolo. Trainer Carla Gaines is 12-0-2-3 over the past five years in stakes races following a layoff of 100 days or more. – Mike Hogan
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DRF FORMULATOR FACT: No. 2 Cape Wolfe. Trainer Phil D’Amato is 58-14-8-5 with a $3.83 ROI over the past five years going sprint to route on turf. Click for more details. – Mike Hogan
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: No. 7 Prospect Park. Trainer Cliff Sise is 17-0-1-3 over the past five years in turf routes following a layoff of 45 days or more. Click for more details. – Mike Hogan