Reach the World, Battle of Midway can make case to join Derby trail

ARCADIA, Calif. – The Kentucky Derby is less than two months away, yet the list of candidates remains long. The question: Which ones are legit?

“Everybody is a Derby hopeful right now,” trainer Bob Baffert said Sunday. “In April, we’ll know.”

The elimination process continues Thursday at Santa Anita, where the lightly raced Reach the World and Battle of Midway race 1 1/16 miles in the seventh race, an entry-level allowance with Derby implications.

Reach the World, a Baffert-trained Tapit colt who scored a workmanlike maiden victory last out, is the horse to beat. Pending his performance Thursday, Baffert planned his next start: “He’ll run here, and then I’ll run him back in the Santa Anita Derby,” he said.

Battle of Midway, a highly regarded Smart Strike colt trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, stretches out following a disappointing third as the odds-on choice in a Grade 2 sprint. The colt’s debut victory was impressive; he was compromised second out by training and trip.

“We had weather circumstances that affected the work pattern, and I think he got caught in a spot where he didn’t want to be,” Hollendorfer said. “We think the horse is coming around. We think he’s a decent horse.”

Reach the World and Battle of Midway face a deep cast of 3-year-olds. The field includes Sharp Samurai, a maiden winner by more than nine lengths in his first start since being gelded; the Baffert comebacker Irish Freedom; the comebacker Vexatious; and the stakes-placed turf runner Soglio.

Reach the World set modest fractions in wiring a maiden route last time. Baffert envisions a tougher test Thursday. “He didn’t have a lot of competition last time, he was out there lollygagging. This time, he’s going to have some competition,” Baffert said.

Front-runners or pace pressers in the field include Squared Squared, Battle of Midway, Sharp Samurai, and Irish Freedom. Mr Larson and Mr. Hinx are also entered.

KEY CONTENDERS

Reach the World, by Tapit
Last 2 Beyers: 85-74

◗ He is owned by Don Alberto Stable, whose Unique Bella is the favorite for the Santa Anita Oaks and Kentucky Oaks. Mike Smith rides Unique Bella and Reach the World.

◗ Baffert said Reach the World is “not a real quick horse; he’s got a lot of stamina. He’s a big horse, he’s a big Tapit.”

Battle of Midway, by Smart Strike
Last 2 Beyers: 80-88

◗ Flavien Prat takes over on Battle of Midway, who had an uncomfortable trip while finishing third in the seven-furlong San Vicente. He was shuffled slightly early, shuffled again after passing the five-eighths pole, then raced evenly. He lost by eight lengths.

◗ Battle of Midway worked six furlongs Sunday in 1:14.40, according to Hollendorfer; the official time was five furlongs in 1:00.20. “He looked good doing it,” Hollendorfer said. “I don’t think that’s too close to a race to work a horse. He’s nice and ready.”

Sharp Samurai, by First Samurai
Last 2 Beyers: 84-42

◗ Trainer Mark Glatt gelded Sharp Samurai after his debut due to a lack of focus. In his comeback under jockey Joe Talamo, he won a $75,000 maiden-claiming route by more than nine lengths. “I was surprised at how easily he won,” Glatt said.

◗ Glatt did not expect Sharp Samurai to be claimed but said, “When I walked down there, I ran right over to make sure there wasn’t a claim, I can tell you that.”

◗ Sharp Samurai is not nominated to the Triple Crown.