Santa Anita: The Factor to face Amazombie in San Carlos

ARCADIA, Calif. – The Factor, who rebounded from a disappointing fall campaign to win the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes in December, will challenge sprint champion Amazombie in Saturday’s $200,000 San Carlos Stakes at Santa Anita.

Trainer Bob Baffert confirmed The Factor’s participation on Tuesday after the 4-year-old colt worked a half-mile in 47.40 seconds at Hollywood Park, the fourth-fastest of 22 recorded works at the distance.

Even though Baffert’s main string is based at Santa Anita, The Factor has been part of the Hollywood Park division for much of his career.

The Factor worked alone, which is customary for the four-time stakes winner, Baffert said.

“He’s still doing great,” the trainer said. “We’re happy with him. If it all goes good, we’ll run.”

The Factor has won 5 of 9 starts and $652,180. He was fourth in the Ancient Title Stakes behind Amazombie and eighth in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile last fall.

The Grade 2 San Carlos Stakes is run over seven furlongs and has a probable field of six. Amazombie has not started since winning the BC Sprint at Churchill Downs in November. He was withdrawn from the Palos Verdes Stakes last month because of wet conditions.

Aside from Amazombie, the candidates include Canonize, Mensa Heat, Rothko and Sway Away. Rothko was second to The Factor in the Malibu Stakes for 3-year-olds over seven furlongs on Dec. 26.