Santa Anita
Santa Anita: Few challengers for Unzip Me in Irish O'Brien
Benoit & Associates Rafael Bejarano guides turf sprint specialist Unzip Me to victory in the Wishing Well.
Few horses are expected to take on Unzip Me on Saturday in the $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes, a downhill turf sprint for California-bred fillies and mares, but rain could significantly impact the look of this race, too.
Santa Anita will not run a downhill race if horses have to cross a sloppy main track, so when the rain arrives Saturday would be paramount.
Unzip Me has won twice in her last three starts, and is 7 for 11 over the downhill course. With her regular rider, Rafael Bejarano, headed to Oaklawn Park on Saturday to ride Secret Circle in Rebel Stakes, Mike Smith has picked up the mount.
Others pointing for the Irish O’Brien include Camille C, Excellent News, Halo Dolly, Lindz Winz, and Secret Cove.