Papaprodromou has stakes under consideration for stable stars
First there was American Theorem leading throughout an allowance race at 1 1/16 miles en route to a convincing win by 2 1/4 lengths. A half-hour later, Cabo Spirit closed from sixth to win his first stakes in the $102,000 Eddie Logan Stakes for 3-year-olds at a mile on turf.
For owner Rustin Kretz and trainer George Papaprodromou, the wins by American Theorem and Cabo Spirit in the final two races at Santa Anita last Sunday established a mark of excellence on the first weekend of the year. And the American Theorem-Cabo Spirit $2 late double paid $36.20.
“To win with the best two horses we have was something special,” Papaprodromou reflected Thursday.
The next races for both runners will be stakes.
American Theorem, a winner of 2 of 7 starts, could run in the Grade 2 San Pasqual Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on Feb. 5, or the Grade 2 San Carlos Stakes at seven furlongs on March 5. Papaprodromou thinks American Theorem could handle either assignment, considering the 5-year-old ridgling was a game second to Essential Wager in a six-furlong allowance race on Dec. 11 at Los Alamitos.
In Sunday’s allowance, American Theorem extended his advantage in the final furlong under jockey Mike Smith, finishing in a manner that suggested he can handle more distance.
“He can go long and he proved it the other day,” Papaprodromou said. “In the last sixteenth, he kept going. Mike said he had more horse.”
Cabo Spirit, purchased for $575,000 at a 2-year-olds in training sale last April, may stay on turf for the $100,000 Pasadena Stakes at a mile on Feb. 19. Cabo Spirit has won 2 of 4 starts on turf since he was switched to the surface after losing his first three races, all on dirt.