Roman Centurian sets sights on San Diego Handicap

ARCADIA, Calif. – Roman Centurian will run in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar on July 30 after finishing first via disqualification at Santa Anita on May 15 in his first start of the year.

Trained by Simon Callaghan for Don Alberto Stable and Qatar Racing, Roman Centurian was second by three-quarters of a length in an allowance at a mile, but was promoted to first when race winner Special Ride was disqualified to second for causing interference at the start.

“I think he ran a very good race,” Callaghan said. “He got crashed at the start. He showed a good run at the end. It was his race to win

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Roman Centurian earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 98.

As a 3-year-old, Roman Centurian was second by a neck to Medina Spirit in the Grade 3 Robert Lewis Stakes in February 2021 at Santa Anita, and fourth to Life Is Good in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes a month later. Roman Centurian was taken out of training for the rest of the year shortly after the San Felipe.

“He just needed some time,” Callaghan said. “He’s shown progression from 3 to 4.”

The $300,000 San Diego Handicap is a key prep for the Grade 1 Pacific Classic at 1 1/4 miles at Del Mar on Sept. 3. The San Diego Handicap is expected to include Express Train, who won the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap in March.