Santa Anita Derby contender Hear the Ghost turns in sharp six-furlong workout

ARCADIA, Calif. - Hear the Ghost, the winner of the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita on March 9, worked six furlongs in 1:13.60 at Betfair Hollywood Park on Sunday, continuing his preparation for the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby on April 6.

“It looks like we’re right on schedule,” trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said. “He galloped out strongly.”

Hear the Ghost’s workout equaled the fifth fastest of 14 recorded works at the distance. Hear the Ghost worked alone in his second workout since his first career stakes win in the San Felipe. On March 17, Hear the Ghost breezed a half-mile in 50.80 seconds.

“He’s recovered strongly since his last race,” Hollendorfer said. “He’s kind of a laid-back horse and he does everything well. I hope he does everything we need him to do in the Santa Anita Derby.”

Co-owned by Hollendorfer and Ted Aroney’s Halo Farms, Hear the Ghost has won 2 of 3 starts and $222,400. The $300,000 San Felipe Stakes was his first start around two turns. The Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby is run over 1 1/8 miles.

Other probable starters for the Santa Anita Derby are the second through fourth-place finishers in the San Felipe - Flashback, Tiz a Minister, and Goldencents; and Summer Exclusive and Storm Fighter, the winners of maiden races on March 2.