Silent Bird looking to fill big shoes, starting with Friday allowance

ARCADIA, Calif. – The winter handicap division at Santa Anita is taking shape, and the glass is half-empty.

Midnight Storm is headed to the Santa Anita Handicap on March 11, and Accelerate runs in the Grade 2 San Antonio Stakes on Feb. 4.

After that, “What’s left?” trainer Mark Glatt pondered.

The answer is, not much.

California Chrome retires after the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup on Jan. 28 at Gulfstream Park; Arrogate presumably runs in the Pegasus, followed by a planned layoff; Melatonin is out with a foot issue; last year’s top 3-year-olds Nyquist and Exaggerator are retired.

Yes, the handicap division has room for a new shooter. Enter the streaking Silent Bird, the Glatt-trained 5-year-old seeking his fifth straight win Friday at Santa Anita in the featured seventh race, an allowance route for non-winners of three races at a mile or longer.

There is more at stake for Silent Bird than the $63,000 purse, as Glatt noted.

“My next step, without getting too far ahead of myself, is the San Antonio,” he said.

Before he runs in the $300,000, nine-furlong San Antonio, Silent Bird must prove he can stay two turns. The one-mile race Friday is his first route, and he must beat Conquest Cobra, El Huerfano, and Avanti Bello. Clever Royal, Dream Team, and Touched by Autism also were entered.

Glatt has reason to believe Silent Bird will handle the distance.

“He’s a very long-striding horse, he relaxes well, and he’s got the pedigree to run further,” he said. “I’ve been able to put a steady race schedule together for him; it’s time to give it a try.”

Racing once a month, Silent Bird has won three starts since returning from a layoff and four straight overall. He will be ridden Friday for the first time by Flavien Prat, subbing for the injured Fernando Perez. Prat worked Silent Bird a half-mile on Dec. 27, which was his last work.

Silent Bird is hardly a cinch on Friday for several reasons. He could get keen while running long for the first time, and the timing of his workouts is imperfect. Finally, his main rivals are legitimate two-turn allowance runners.

KEY CONTENDERS

Silent Bird, by Summer Bird

Last 3 Beyers: 97-94-94

◗ Owned by the Norman Racing Stables of Alabama grocer Robbie Norman, Silent Bird won the $100,000, seven-furlong Damascus Stakes two back; he has won 4 of 5 starts.

◗ Silent Bird’s company lines are suspect. Last out, he defeated Prospect Park, who subsequently finished last in the Grade 2 San Pasqual. Two starts back, Silent Bird defeated Jazzy Times, who was trounced twice thereafter.

Conquest Cobra, by Pioneerof the Nile

Last 3 Beyers: 91-101-80

◗ His runner-up finish two starts back in a one-mile stakes is the fastest route by any in the field.

◗ Trainer Vladimir Cerin believes he misfired last out due to discomfort from being struck by kickback. Conquest Cobra runs best in the clear.

◗ Kent Desormeaux rides him back.

El Huerfano, by Tannersmyman

Last 3 Beyers: 95-93-92

◗ The likely pacesetter, he is trained by Peter Miller. Since Oct. 30, Miller has won with 26 of 84 starters (30 percent). Victor Espinoza rides.

◗ Four of the nine dirt races at this meet at one mile were won by the pacesetter (1 of 3 on a fast track, 3 of 6 on a wet track).

Avanti Bello, by Include

Last 3 Beyers: 76-97-95

◗ He is dropping in class, having finished fifth last time behind California Chrome in the Winter Challenge at Los Alamitos.

◗ Doug O’Neill trains the 5-for-20 stakes-winning California-bred, whose rider is Mario Gutierrez.