Restrainedvengence to return in John Shear Mile

The 7-year-old gelding Restrainedvengence, third in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar in November, will have his 2022 debut in the $75,000 John Shear Mile at Santa Anita on April 2.

A millionaire and eight-time stakes winner, Restrainedvengence has worked four times since mid-February. Saturday, Restrainedvengence worked five furlongs in 1:00.80 for trainer Val Brinkerhoff. Brinkerhoff said he timed him in 59.80 seconds.

Owned by Brinkerhoff's wife, Kelly, and Bob Grayson Jr., Restrainedvengence has won 10 of 35 starts and earned $1,007,682. In 2021, Restrainedvengence had his best season in terms of earnings, winning 2 of 9 starts and $381,960.

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“He’s getting up in age a little bit,” Val Brinkerhoff said. “I think he’ll be better this year. I can’t believe how much he grew. It surprised me that a horse at his age that he can fill out.

“I hope we have as good a year as last year.”

In the BC Dirt Mile, Restrainedvengence closed from last in a field of eight at 40-1 to finish 6 1/2 lengths behind winner Life Is Good.

Val Brinkerhoff said the John Shear Mile could be a prep for the Grade 3 San Francisco Mile on turf at Golden Gate Fields on April 30. The John Shear Mile is named for the retired paddock captain at Santa Anita, who recently turned 101.

The race may include Roman Centurian, a 4-year-old colt who has not raced since he finished a well-beaten fourth behind Life Is Good in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at 1 1/16 miles in March 2021. Trained by Simon Callaghan, Roman Centurian worked five furlongs in 59.80 seconds at Santa Anita on Sunday.