Santa Anita introduces new restricted maiden condition

ARCADIA, Calif. – Santa Anita is introducing a new condition for maidens in Monday’s sixth race. The six-furlong race is restricted to 3-year-old maidens who were bred by their owners or were purchased for $100,000 or less at auction.

The race was well-supported, with 11 entrants – 10 purchased at auction for prices ranging from $18,000 to $75,000 and one homebred.

There are four first-time starters, including Ax Man who was bred and is owned by Hal and Patti Earnhardt. Bob Baffert trains Ax Man, a colt by Misremembered who is a half-brother to Indian Blessing, the champion 2-year-old filly of 2007.

The horses purchased for $75,000 are Lombo and Alternate Rhythm, who have yet to win. Lombo finished seventh after a wide trip in a maiden race at five furlongs on turf Nov. 10 at Del Mar. Alternate Rhythm is winless in four starts, including a fifth in a maiden race at 5 1/2 furlongs Nov. 30 at Los Alamitos.

Santa Anita racing secretary Rick Hammerle said earlier this month that the restricted conditions for maidens would be offered approximately every three weeks during the season in addition to open maiden races.