Post shift a plus for Spring Favorite in California Derby Challenge

Spring Favorite beat one horse in his stakes debut in the James Smith Handicap at Los Alamitos on April 5, a performance far from an indication of his ability.

Spring Favorite had a troubled start and was checked in traffic, losing all chance in the 350-yard race. He finished sixth and was placed fifth after a rival was disqualified for causing interference.

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A winner of 3 of 7 starts, Spring Favorite will have his second appearance in a stakes in Sunday’s $37,961 California Derby Challenge at 400 yards. This time, Spring Favorite will start on the outside in a field of nine instead of between horses. An outside post reduces the chance of trouble at the start.

Trained by Paul Jones for Donald and Peggy Boyle, Spring Favorite won three consecutive starts from early December to early February – a maiden special weight race and two allowance races. The California Derby Challenge will be his first start at 400 yards.

The winner of the California Derby Challenge earns a berth in the Adequan Derby Challenge Championship at The Downs at Albuquerque on Oct. 24. The 2019 running of the race was worth $154,750.

The California Derby Challenge is the last of nine races on a program that begins at 8:30 p.m. Eastern or 5:30 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

Spring Favorite is part of a competitive field.

Zoom On Jess, who was promoted to fourth after a troubled trip in the Smith Handicap, may be a slight favorite. Trained by Monty Arrossa, Zoom On Jess has won 5 of 13 starts. He won a minor stakes at 350 yards last year, and was later third in the Corona Chick Handicap at 400 yards last November.

Mister Tornado and Pay Me in Front have strong credentials.

Mister Tornado finished a troubled sixth in the $213,300 El Primero Del Ano Derby at 400 yards on March 29, but was promoted to fifth when a rival was disqualified for causing interference. Mister Tornado won four consecutive claiming races at values ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 from October to February.

Pay Me In Front finished second by a head in the Smith Handicap, avoiding the trouble that affected many of his rivals. A repeat of that performance may be good enough to win on Sunday.