Tessuto eyes Santa Anita Derby off maiden win
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ARCADIA, Calif. – Tessuto won his first start at a mile in a maiden race at Santa Anita last Sunday in a manner that left trainer George Papaprodromou considering a start in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 6.
After finishing third in two maiden races for sprinters earlier this winter, Tessuto closed from third in a field of six to win by 2 1/2 lengths on Sunday. Ridden by Umberto Rispoli, Tessuto was timed in 1:37.90 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 79.
The $750,000 Santa Anita Derby is run at 1 1/8 miles.
“We may give it a shot,” Papaprodromou said.
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Tessuto, a ridgling by Munnings owned by Rustin Kretz, raced without blinkers for the first time Sunday and was the 3-1 third choice.
“I was hoping he’d like the two turns,” Papaprodromou said. “He’s learning.
“When he got to the front, he got a little lost. We took the blinkers off. He looked like he would relax.
“The main thing is he took to the distance. That’s what I’m happy about.”
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