Recently gelded, Aquila gets another chance to make cut

CYPRESS, Calif. – Aquila failed to live up to expectations as a colt, winning once in five starts and finishing sixth in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita in March.

Friday at Los Alamitos, Aquila will start as a gelding for the first time after a three-month layoff.

Trainer Simon Callaghan hopes Aquila can still develop into the prospect that led to his purchase for $685,000 at a 2-year-olds in training sale in 2017.

“We gave him a little time, and he’s come back good,” Callaghan said. “I think he’s more focused now.”

Owned by Kaleem Shah, Aquila, 3, will start in an allowance race with a $40,000 claiming option at a mile against older horses. The race has 10 starters.

This is not a particularly tough field. Avanti Bello won a stakes against California-breds in 2017, but is winless in his last four starts. Ike, trained by Bob Baffert, was second in the Northern Spur Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles in April at Oaklawn Park, and third in an optional claimer at six furlongs as the even-money favorite June 23 at Santa Anita in his only subsequent start.

KEY CONTENDERS

Aquila, by Union Rags

Last 3 Beyers: 74-74-88

◗ Aquila won his third start, which came in a maiden special weight race at 1 1/16 miles in February at Santa Anita. That led to an ambitious start at 57-1 in the San Felipe Stakes on March 10. Aquila was within a neck of the lead on the backstretch, but faded to finish 16 1/2 lengths behind Bolt d’Oro and McKinzie.

“We took a chance in a tough race,” Callaghan said. “He got a little aggressive early.”

◗ In an optional claimer at a mile April 8, Aquila was fourth early, four lengths off the lead, and posed no threat in the final half-mile, finishing fifth behind winner Ax Man, who returned to win the Sir Barton Stakes on May 19 at Pimlico.

◗ Aquila has worked well for his return, including three furlongs in 36.50 seconds from the gate June 30 at Santa Anita, the fastest of 30 works at the distance.

“He’s got to prove it to us now,” Callaghan said. “We’re hoping he can show some talent. He’s got to run well in this race to do it.”

Ike, by Paynter

Last 3 Beyers: 75-86-79

◗ A return to a two-turn race should suit Ike more than his recent start in a sprint, Baffert said.

“I want to stretch him,” he said. “He’s been a slow-maturing kind of horse.”

◗ Ike was beaten 2 1/2 lengths in the Northern Spur by High North, who is entered in Friday’s $250,000 Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows. Owned by breeders Westrock Stable, Ike won his debut in a maiden race at 6 1/2 furlongs in February at Santa Anita.