Point Piper can finally get his graded stakes win in Californian
ARCADIA, Calif. – A graded stakes win has been elusive for Point Piper, who is likely to start favored in Sunday’s $200,000 Californian Stakes at Santa Anita.
“We’ve been placing him in some difficult spots,” trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said. “We think he’ll get the job done. If he can get the job done, his stallion value really increases.”
A 6-year-old, Point Piper was third in the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap on April 16, finishing behind Effinex, the Eastern-based five-time stakes winner, and Melatonin, the winner of the $1 million Santa Anita Handicap. Those horses are not in the Grade 2 Californian Stakes, which is run at 1 1/8 miles.
The race lacks a nationally prominent runner, which enhances Point Piper’s chances in his sixth start in a graded stakes. El Huerfano may scratch and start in the $150,000 Tiznow Stakes for California-breds on May 28, trainer Peter Miller said on Thursday.
KEY CONTENDERS
Point Piper, Giant’s Causeway
Last 3 Beyers: 100-97-97
◗ Point Piper was beaten 3 3/4 lengths by Effinex in the Oaklawn Handicap and was fifth, beaten 7 1/4 lengths by Melatonin, in the Santa Anita Handicap.
◗ Owned by a partnership that includes Gatto Racing and Hollendorfer, Point Piper has worked quickly in recent weeks, including six furlongs in 1:12.40 on May 12, the fastest of 12 works at the distance.
“We thought he deserved a shot in this race,” Hollendorfer said. “He’s been training well. We think we have a chance.”
Hard Aces, by Hard Spun
Last 3 Beyers: 95-101-98
◗ Hard Aces is winless in seven starts since he won the Grade 1 Gold Cup at Santa Anita last June. He was second in the Santa Anita Handicap in March and a troubled seventh in the Charles Town Classic on a track that trainer John Sadler said the 6-year-old may not have liked.
◗ Sadler and owners Pete and Kosta Hronis have the Gold Cup at Santa Anita on June 25 as a goal. Sadler said recent workouts by Hard Aces convinced him to enter Sunday’s race.
“I was looking for a reason not to run him, but he’s had two good works, and he looks to be himself,” Sadler said. “There’s no reason not to.”
Follow Me Crev, by Quality Road
Last 3 Beyers: 99-96-98
◗ Follow Me Crev has won his last four starts – a starter allowance and three consecutive optional claimers.
◗ He was a candidate for the Santa Anita Handicap but was taken out of training because of a quarter crack, trainer Vladimir Cerin said, and hasn’t raced since Feb. 14.
◗ Cerin has the Gold Cup at Santa Anita as a goal and said the race on Sunday is “to get fit for the next one.”
“I’m not sure if he’s fit enough,” Cerin said. “He’s training very well. If he wins, it will be fine with me. He’s completely sound, and he’s very willing.”