Santa Anita: Papa Turf has easier task in San Vicente Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – Papa Turf chased two of California’s finest young sprinters in his first two stakes appearances. His third start in a stakes, in Sunday’s $200,000 San Vicente for 3-year-olds over seven furlongs, might be easier.

Back in November, Papa Turf ran in the Grade 3 Hollywood Prevue Stakes at Hollywood Park, finishing 14 1/4 lengths behind Shared Belief. Shared Belief later won the Grade 1 CashCall Futurity and was named champion 2-year-old male of 2013.

In the San Pedro Stakes here Jan. 20, Papa Turf was a clear second behind Indianapolis in the race over six furlongs. The undefeated Indianapolis was a contender for the Grade 2 San Vicente until he coughed and showed the presence of mucus Wednesday.

Papa Turf races for a partnership. A colt by Yes It’s True, he beat maidens in his second start over 6 1/2 furlongs here in September. The maiden race remains the only win in five starts for Papa Turf.

“I hope that he can improve,” trainer Jim Kasparoff said Thursday. “He came out of the San Pedro fantastic. I’ve been able to get three works in him.”

In the San Pedro, Papa Turf was last of four on the backstretch, raced within a length of Indianapolis in the stretch, but could not keep pace with the winner in the final furlong.

“He got out a little tardy, and I think it cost him a little bit,” Kasparoff said. “In a four-horse field, I thought position would be a factor. Take nothing from the winner. I’m sorry to hear that they’re not running.”

While many owners and trainers of 3-year-olds are dreaming of glory in two-turn races in future months, Kasparoff is taking a more realistic approach. He wonders if Papa Turf might be best in sprints.

“I’m waiting to see how he does this weekend,” Kasparoff said. “I think he’ll get two turns, but I don’t know how far.”

Papa Turf is part of a projected field of six in the San Vicente. The field is expected to include Cherubim, Grazen’s Hope, Kobe’s Back, Roger Rocket, and Rprettyboyfloyd.