Sharp Samurai should be tighter for American Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – Sharp Samurai could not catch the longshot winner Bolo in the stretch of the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile on May 27 at Santa Anita and finished fourth, a loss that initially left trainer Mark Glatt disappointed.

“We had a good chance to win the race,” Glatt said.

Nearly a month later, Glatt has slightly changed his perspective. The Shoemaker Mile was Sharp Samurai’s first start since October and the launch of a 2019 season that continues in Sunday’s Grade 3 American Stakes at a mile on turf. The American Stakes is an easier field for Sharp Samurai.

“It was a tough race after a lengthy layoff, particularly at that level,” Glatt said of the Shoemaker.

A five-time stakes winner, Sharp Samurai is expected to go favored in the $100,000 American Stakes. Trainer Jeff Mullins said at midday on Friday that River Boyne will be withdrawn from the American Stakes for an early summer rest at a local farm. River Boyne, who has also won five stakes, was second in the Shoemaker Mile.

Without River Boyne, the American Stakes has a weaker field, which will make Sharp Samurai the focus for many bettors.

The American Stakes is the fifth of 10 races on the final day of the Santa Anita spring-summer meeting. The Los Alamitos summer meeting begins next Saturday.

KEY CONTENDERS

Sharp Samurai, by First Samurai

Last 3 Beyers: 97-104-100

◗ Sharp Samurai was second in the stretch of the Shoemaker Mile, and finished 2 1/2 lengths behind Bolo, who led throughout in a 32-1 upset. Bolo is expected to race at Del Mar later this summer.

◗ Last year, Sharp Samurai won the Grade 2 City of Hope Mile in October in his final start of the year. He was pre-entered for the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Churchill Downs last November, but was withdrawn from consideration because of illness.

◗ The timing between the Shoemaker and American works well for Sharp Samurai, who is expected to run in the leading turf races at Del Mar.

“From a timing standpoint, it seems to make the most sense to run him back,” Glatt said. “It’s basically four weeks, too.”

Bombard, by War Front

Last 3 Beyers: 96-96-91

◗ Bombard was taken out of training last fall to have a bone chip removed from a knee. He won the Siren Lure Stakes on the hillside turf course in June 2018 and was second by a head in a roughly run Wickerr Stakes at a mile on turf at Del Mar a month later.

“He’s run well fresh, so we’re hoping,” trainer Richard Mandella said.

◗ Bombard and Sharp Samurai have similar running styles of stalking the pace.

Law Abidin Citizen, by Twirling Candy

Last 3 Beyers: 83-96-97

◗ Trained by Glatt, Law Abidin Citizen won the Grade 3 San Simeon Stakes on the hillside turf course March 31, but was seventh in the Grade 2 Triple Bend Stakes on dirt May 25. Santa Anita discontinued races on the hillside after March 31, which largely forced Law Abidin Citizen into this race.

“We didn’t have a great spot for the horse to run right now,” Glatt said. “He has some two-turn races you can go back to that he can get the distance. He may have to have the right scenario.”