Spielberg back with maidens in race 1 on Sunday

Spielberg was considered for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on Friday at Keeneland, but trainer Bob Baffert has selected a more modest goal for the promising colt.

Spielberg will start in a maiden special weight race at a mile at Del Mar in Sunday’s first race. Spielberg was third, beaten 5 1/2 lengths by Get Her Number, in the Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes as the 11-10 favorite on Sept. 26 at Santa Anita.

“We were thinking about the Breeders’ Cup,” Baffert said. “I’m trying to develop these young horses.

“The last race was disappointing. I thought he’d show more than that. We’ll give him another chance and put him in a spot he can break his maiden or run well.”

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Spielberg was second in his debut in a maiden special weight race on Aug. 8 at Del Mar behind Dr. Schivel and was second to that rival in his stakes debut in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity on Sept. 7. The American Pharoah Stakes was Spielberg’s first start at 1 1/16 miles.

“I think with two turns we can find out more about him,” Baffert said.

Spielberg is part of a field of six that includes Parnelli, who was second at 2-5 to Hot Rod Charlie in a maiden special weight race at a mile on Oct. 2 at Santa Anita in his first start around two turns.