Pantsonfire solid for Thursday allowance
ARCADIA, Calif. – Pantsonfire was entered in the Grade 1 American Oaks on Dec. 30 at Santa Anita as a test of her ability. A maiden race winner in October, Pantsonfire was 47-1 and finished sixth of nine.
“I thought it was a good effort,” trainer Richard Baltas said Sunday. “We were taking a shot and didn’t have anything to lose.”
Pantsonfire will start Thursday in a practical race – an allowance with a $40,000 claiming option at Santa Anita. She figures to be a leading contender in a race at 1 1/8 miles on turf.
“She should win and is well-spotted,” Baltas said.
The optional claimer is the seventh race on an eight-race program that has a carryover of $93,342 in the single-ticket jackpot provision of the $2 pick six, which is paid only if there is one winning ticket.
KEY CONTENDERS
Pantsonfire, by Sir Percy
Last 3 Beyers: 86-83-78
◗ Bred in Ireland, Pantsonfire was second in her American debut in a $62,500 claimer for maidens at Del Mar last July. She won a maiden race at a mile here in October before finishing second by a nose in an allowance race with an $80,000 claiming option Nov. 19 at Del Mar.
◗ Baltas said Thursday’s race was chosen to give Pantsonfire a confidence boost. The 4-year-old filly is owned by a partnership that includes Next Wave Racing and Starry Night Racing.
“I want to get her back in the winner’s circle,” he said. “She’s a nice filly.”
◗ Rajiv Maragh, who was aboard in the American Oaks, has the mount. Maragh previously rode in New York and relocated to California for the start of the current Santa Anita meeting in late December. Maragh has struggled in the first six weeks of the season, with two wins from 57 mounts. Maragh rode a winner Sunday.
Scandal, by Blame
Last 3 Beyers: 79-73-73
◗ Scandal was a maiden when she led throughout an allowance race with a $40,000 claiming option for fillies and mares at 1 3/8 miles on turf Nov. 23 at Del Mar. Trained by Richard Mandella, Scandal won by a nose over Bombilate, who is part of Thursday’s field.
◗ A 6-year-old mare, Scandal had her 16th start Nov. 23. She has been second nine times in her career.
Bombilate, by Kitten’s Joy
Last 3 Beyers: 79-80-80
◗ Bombilate has been second or third in her last three starts, losing by a combined 1 1/4 lengths. She closed from a length off the pace to just miss catching Scandal on Nov. 23.
◗ Trained by Jim Cassidy for Deron Pearson, Bombilate will be ridden by Kent Desormeaux on Thursday. Desormeaux replaces Gary Stevens, who is riding at Oaklawn Park this winter.
The Tulip, by Lawman
Beyer: 77
◗ The Tulip was fourth in her American debut in an allowance race with a $40,000 claiming option at a mile on turf here Jan. 1. The Tulip closed from last in a field of 10 to finish 1 1/2 lengths behind Shazara.
◗ How About Zero was second in that field and returned to win the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint for California-breds on the hillside turf course last Saturday.
