San Vicente next target for The Factor

ARCADIA, Calif. – The Factor, who set a six-furlong track record on Dec. 26, is being pointed for the $150,000 San Vicente Stakes over seven furlongs on Feb. 20, trainer Bob Baffert said on Thursday.

Owned by George Bolton and Fog City Stable, The Factor ran six furlongs in 1:06.98 on the opening day of the winter-spring meeting, drawing off to win by 8 1/4 lengths.

Baffert has worked The Factor once since his maiden race win, over five furlongs in 58 seconds on Jan. 9. In recent weeks, Baffert has focused on giving the colt lengthy gallops in an effort to curtail his speed.

“He’ll probably work pretty soon,” Baffert said. “I’m pointing for the San Vicente. I’ve been galloping him and he’s doing better. He’s just a fast horse.”

Baffert said earlier this month that he would like to try The Factor in a two-turn race “to see how he does it. He has the most efficient stride I’ve seen in a young horse.”

The Factor is by War Front, and was the sale topper at a cost of $250,000 at the 2010 Barretts May sale of 2-year-olds in-training.