Trip Notes for October 24-25: Twilight Derby and Sen. Ken Maddy
Saturday, October 24
Santa Anita - Twilight Derby (race 7)
COMMENT: Om continued his ascent, stamping himself a horse to watch come 2016. He beat American Pharoah at Del Mar last year at 2, and he’s really come into his own on turf this year. He won his first grass try, then ran second to Prospect Park in the Grade 3 La Jolla at Del Mar Aug. 9. Om gained his revenge over Prospect Park when leading all the way to easily win the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby Sept. 6. It was again his speed here that proved lethal, as he went right out to the early lead, took some pressure from Boone Docks, dispatched with that foe turning for home, opened up into the lane and was geared down late. Mister Brightside, an English raider making his U.S. debut, stalked in third, tried to make a run at the winner turning for home, and kept on well to hold second. Royal Albert Hall, beaten by Om in the La Jolla and the Del Mar Derby, sat midpack and finished decently. Soul Driver, so impressive winning the Singletary here June 20 and the Oceanside at Del Mar July 16 before finishing sixth in the Del Mar Derby, was away slowly and in last until turning for home, though he wasn’t that far back. He had to wait for room, dove to the rail to launch his run but never had clear sailing. He wasn’t going to win but with better luck he could have finished much closer.
Sunday, October 25
Santa Anita - Sen. Ken Maddy (race 5)
COMMENT: Baruta went out with a bang. Making her final start, the 6-year-old Brazilian-bred stalked in third while Amaranth set a hot pace, moved closer coming over the dirt crossing, grabbed the lead in midstretch and was edging away at the wire. Velvet Mesquite chased in second, moved with the winner into the lane, and stayed on for third. Theatre Star lagged well back until midstretch and finished strongly to get third. Chati’s On top, the favorite, broke slowly and was last until the dirt crossing, and could make only modest headway thereafter. Could be she’s better with a bit more ground.