Papaprodromou's patience paying off for American Theorem

DEL MAR, Calif. - An hour after American Theorem won the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar on Saturday, trainer George Papaprodromou was back to work, standing in the paddock and waiting to saddle Lady Clementine in the 11th race.

The nation’s newest Grade 1-winning trainer, Papaprodromou had a brief moment after the $402,000 Bing Crosby Stakes to savor American Theorem’s win, which secured the 5-year-old ridgling a berth in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Keeneland on Nov. 5.

An expected start in such a race seemed unlikely at times in the last few years as American Theorem overcame injury to continue his career. As recently as the spring, when American Theorem was in the midst of a three-race losing streak in races around two turns, a Grade 1 win seemed distant.

“It’s a great feeling,” Papaprodromou said. “We’ve always liked this horse. He got hurt and we took our time.”

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Owned by Rustin Kretz, American Theorem had his 12th start in the Bing Crosby at six furlongs. He had one start in 2020, finishing seventh in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, and did not race again for 11 months, until February 2021. American Theorem had another gap of more than nine months between races before the launch of a campaign last November that continues.

“He had a fracture in a shin,” Papaprodromou said. “We took our time.”

Since last November, American Theorem has won 3 of 8 starts and two stakes. At Santa Anita on May 29, American Theorem won his first stakes in the Grade 2 Triple Bend Stakes at seven furlongs as a 13-1 outsider.

In a competitive running of the Bing Crosby, American Theorem was largely ignored at 7-1 in a field of nine. Ridden by Joe Bravo, American Theorem rallied five wide to take a commanding three-length lead in the stretch. American Theorem won by 1 1/2 lengths over Get Her Number, finishing six furlongs in a sharp 1:08.67.

American Theorem earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 104, the first time he recorded a triple-digit Beyer.

“If he didn’t go that wide, he might have won in 1:07,” Papaprodromou said.

“I can see him improving even more. Every race he runs right now, I’ve got him 100 percent.”

Papaprodromou, 46, won his 10th career stakes in the Bing Crosby. A native of Cyprus, Papaprodromou has trained since 2003 and is in the midst of his best season for circumstances unforeseen as recently as three months ago.

In early May, Papaprodromou inherited official control of approximately 50 horses previously trained by Richard Baltas, who was banned from starting or working horses by Santa Anita management after members of his stable staff allegedly administered unpermitted substances to 23 horses in his care on race days at Santa Anita between April 15 and May 8.

Baltas, one of the most prominent trainers in Southern California, is scheduled to have a hearing regarding the matter in September with Los Alamitos stewards. The California Horse Racing Board filed an official complaint regarding the case in late June.

Papaprodromou’s stable essentially doubled within a matter of days after Baltas was no longer allowed to train. Papaprodromou became the official trainer of many former Baltas runners. The phrase “previously trained by Richard Baltas” has appeared frequently in the past performances of many Papaprodromou runners.

With the added responsibility, Papaprodromou has spent at least a day a week at the San Luis Rey Downs training center in northern San Diego county where Baltas had a satellite stable.

“It’s hard work,” Papaprodromou said of the expanded barn. “I have to be there every day and take it day by day.”

American Theorem has always been with Papaprodromou, as has Cabo Spirit, who is scheduled to start in the Grade 3 La Jolla Handicap for 3-year-olds on turf on Aug. 7. Both are owned by Kretz, who supported Papaprodromou in recent years when the stable was much smaller.

“I can’t thank Kretz enough for supporting me,” Papaprodromou said. “If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be here now.

“For me and him, with this horse, it took a while to get going. Hopefully, he stays sound.”

American Theorem is a candidate for the Grade 2 Pat O’Brien Stakes at seven furlongs at Del Mar on Aug. 27, which could be his final start before the BC Sprint.

In the meantime, the stable will be active in a variety of divisions, including 3-year-olds and turf runners.

“Besides the ones I got from Richard, I’ve got nice, promising 2-year-olds coming along,” he said.

In Saturday’s 11th race, the British import Lady Clementine won her American debut in a maiden special weight race on turf for Papaprodromou.

“I’m kind of impressed with her,” Papaprodromou said.

The win was the trainer’s third of the meeting and left him in a tie for fourth place in the standings after six days of the 31-day season.