Santa Anita: Gomez's comeback delayed

Jockey Garrett Gomez, sidelined since Jan. 8 because of injuries to his left heel and ankle, has targeted March 8 or 10 for his comeback, he said on Wednesday.

Gomez had hoped to return to riding by Saturday, aboard Jeranimo in the Grade 1 Frank Kilroe Mile, but will wait until next week, pending doctor’s clearance.

“He wants to take some more X-rays and see how it is before he clears me,” Gomez said of his doctor.

A return by March 10 would allow Gomez to ride Out of Bounds in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes, a key prep for the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby on April 7. Out of Bounds won the Grade 3 Sham Stakes on Jan. 7.

The $300,000 San Felipe Stakes will have a strong field, including the stakes winners Liaison, Midnight Transfer, Rousing Sermon, and possibly Creative Cause. The stakes-placed runners American Act and Empire Way, and the allowance race winner Fed Biz are other probable starters.

American Act was second to Drill in the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes over seven furlongs on Feb. 19, his stakes debut. Trainer Jack Carava said that the San Felipe or the Sunland Derby on March 25 are being considered for American Act.

Wednesday at Santa Anita, Fed Biz worked six furlongs in 1:13.40, while Liaison was timed in 1:13.80. Both are trained by Baffert.