Synthesis has tall order in Santa Anita Derby
ARCADIA, Calif. - Synthesis joined George Papaprodromou’s stable in mid-March after a private purchase, leaving little time for the trainer to get to know him before a scheduled start in Saturday’s Grade 1, $1 million Santa Anita Derby.
Synthesis has only a maiden win from nine starts, and comes off a fourth-place finish going seven furlongs in the Grade 2 San Vicente. Understandably, Synthesis will be the longest price in the 1 1/8-mile Santa Anita Derby field.
“We’ll know where we stand after this race,” Papaprodromou said on Sunday morning. “I haven’t had the horse that long to figure him out.
“I wish I knew him better. He’s in good condition.”
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The candidates for the Santa Anita Derby include 2-year-old champion Game Winner, graded stakes winner Instagrand, the graded stakes-placed runners Extra Hope and Roadster, and the maiden winner Nolo Contesto.
As of Sunday, San Vicente winner Sparky Ville was under “slight” consideration, trainer Jeff Bonde said.
Synthesis was beaten 10 3/4 lengths in the San Vicente in his last start. The distance was not an ideal fit for Synthesis, Papaprodromou said. Synthesis won a maiden race at Keeneland going 1 1/16 miles.
“I think he’ll appreciate going two turns,” Papaprodromou said.
Now owned by Rustin Kretz, John Decker and Jay Selby, Synthesis will be fitted with blinkers for the first time on Saturday. Synthesis worked five furlongs in 1:02.40 on Sunday with blinkers. He was ridden in the workout by Rafael Bejarano, who has the mount on Saturday.
“He worked good with blinkers,” Papaprodromou said. “Hopefully, it will be a plus.”
This will be Papaprodromou’s third starter in the Santa Anita Derby. Iron Rob was eighth in 2016, while Comma’s Sister was 13th the following year.
