Oscar Dominguez, Ward 'n Jerry have no excuses in San Luis Rey

ARCADIA, Calif. – There are no pre-race excuses such as class or distance available Saturday for the favorites in the Grade 3 San Luis Rey Stakes at Santa Anita.

The lanes are clear for Oscar Dominguez and Ward ’n Jerry, 7-year-olds uninhibited by the challenges they faced last out. Oscar Dominguez was outclassed, defeated by better horses, and Ward ’n Jerry was compromised by distance. No alibis on Saturday.

Oscar Dominguez finished third last out in a Grade 2, and while trainer Richard Baltas looked forward to the San Luis Rey, he could not help looking back: “Who beat him last time? Neither one of them are running.”

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Third to United and Cleopatra’s Strike last out, Oscar Dominguez faces easier company in the $100,000 San Luis Rey. Based on his recent third and a victory two back in a Grade 2 turf marathon, Oscar Dominguez should go favored Saturday.

Ward ’n Jerry finished second as the favorite in a California-bred stakes race last out at a mile and one-eighth and goes 1 1/2 miles on Saturday. “That distance is no good for him,” trainer Mike Puype said. “He’s a bona-fide distance horse. The distance is going to help him.”

The stretch to a mile and one-half benefits Ward ’n Jerry, who finished a neck and a head behind his main rival two back at equal weights. Saturday in the San Luis Rey, Ward ’n Jerry carries four pounds less than 124-pound topweight Oscar Dominguez.

Seven are entered in the San Luis Rey. In addition to the favorites, 7-year-olds Camino Del Paraiso and French Getaway are entered along with 9-year-old millionaire Ashleyluvssugar. Swamp Souffle and Go for a Ride, both 4, also were entered.

Absent division leader United, distance turf racing in California is a local oddity with marginal significance. United, runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Turf and recent winner of the Grade 2 San Marcos, runs in a $6 million race in Dubai next Saturday.

Oscar Dominguez has earned $306,736 since he was claimed for $40,000 one year ago by owners Nancy Messineo and Bruce Sands. Oscar Dominguez will be ridden Saturday for the first time by Umberto Rispoli, who gives up the mount on Ward ’n Jerry.

Ward ’n Jerry, who ran for a $40,000 claim tag last summer, has improved since stretching to marathons. He loses the meet’s leading turf rider Rispoli, but picks up the meet’s second-leading turf rider Flavien Prat. “They tower over everyone on the turf,” Puype said.

The pace is likely to be set by Camino Del Paraiso, while Swamp Souffle and Go for a Ride could apply pressure.