Trip Notes for May 31: Aristides, Californian, American Oaks

Saturday, May 31

Churchill Downs - Aristides (race 9)

COMMENT: Delauney, a once-classy sprinter on the downside of his career, showed there’s still plenty of gas still left in the tank as he dominated the proceedings here. Winning for the fifth time in six starts over this track, the 7-year-old dogged early pacesetter Jasizzle, took over from that rival going down the backside, opened up turning for home and didn’t have any worries thereafter. Scatman, who won this race last year but wasn’t seen again until May 2 when fourth in the Grade 3 Turf Sprint on the Kentucky Derby undercard, was fourth early, moved up to second to chase the eventual winner, doggedly kept after him but just wasn’t good enough. It was a nice move forward and may mean he’s ready for deeper waters. Captain Genius, claimed for just $25,000 Nov. 9 and stepping up after two smart optional-claiming wins, was away slowly, lagged back early, steadily advanced while wide but was never really a threat. Mico Margarita, last seen romping by 8 3/4 lengths for a 104 Beyer when winning a stakes at Evangeline April 12, was also away slowly and was fairly one-paced. He can move forward with this outing under his belt.

Santa Anita - Californian (race 7)

COMMENT: Clubhouse Ride missed some training this winter with foot problems and he came into this race off a sharp third in the Grade 2 San Carlos, a third in the Santana Mile and fourth in the Grade 2 Charles Town Classic. He got a dream setup here and took full advantage, storming home to beat heavy favorite Fury Kapcori, and may well have punched his ticket for the Gold Cup at Santa Anita June 28. He sat last early saving ground from his rail draw while Fury Kapcori set a strong pace, steadily advanced going into the far turn, moved through between horses, cut back to the fence and gamely persevered to reel in and go past Fury Kapcori. Of course, the downside to a shot at the Gold Cup is old nemesis Game On Dude will be waiting there, as will a surging Imperative and some other toughies. Fury Kapcori, winner of four straight coming into this, went right out to the lead, outrunning fellow speedster Storm Fighter, dispatched with that rival turning for home but was immediately tackled by Clubhouse Ride. He did battle back but couldn’t quite keep pace in the final furlong. His weakening late may not have been so much a case of distance limitations but of simply using up too much fuel early on the sizzling pace. He might still deserve a shot at the Gold Cup. Majestic Harbor lagged back and came with a steady rally. He may enjoy the Gold Cup’s additional furlong.

Santa Anita - American Oaks (race 8)

COMMENT: The buzz was all about Nashoba’s Gold, but invader Room Service, who was the only Grade 1 winner in here, showed her own ample ability with an impressive victory. From her outside post she bided her time early while not far off a solid pace, remained wide and in the clear, commenced a strong run into the lane that carried her past her rivals and clear to win going away. Impressive stuff. Her ability on turf and synthetic gives her options. Diversy Harbor, who was rank and ended up third in the Grade 2 Honeymoon, settled better this time which allowed her to go back to what she does best – sit and finish. She settled at the back of the pack, behind the eventual winner, remained well back to the far turn, commenced her run into the lane, and got tangled up with a tiring Loan Savant. She going again and finished well, but the winner was already long gone. Little Journey had shown ample talent in France and ran third in the Edgewood at Churchill in her U.S. debut May 2. She came here, sat midpack, loomed a threat into the lane but was no match for the winner and just lost second in the final yards. Nashoba’s Gold, the heavy favorite after winning 3 of her first 4 in impressive fashion, seemed in a good spot midpack, had to steady turning for home which certainly cost her, but got clear afterward and was unable to muster a run. Maybe it was just one of those days or maybe she’s over the top as she’s had a busy meet.