United to return in San Luis Rey Stakes

United, the dominant turf marathoner in California in 2020 but a disappointing eighth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland last November, will have his 2021 debut in the Grade 3 San Luis Rey Stakes at 1 1/2 miles on turf March 20 at Santa Anita.

Trained by Richard Mandella for the LNJ Foxwoods stable of Larry, Nancy, and Jaime Roth, United will have a campaign geared toward a third appearance in the BC Turf on Nov. 6 at Del Mar. United was second at 51-1 to eventual Horse of the Year Bricks and Mortar in the 2019 BC Turf at Santa Anita.

At Keeneland, United was near the front for the first mile and faded to finish 9 3/4 lengths behind Tarnawa.

“He had a bad day at Keeneland and other than that he had a good year,” Mandella said.

United won four stakes on turf in 2020 at distances ranging from 1 1/8 miles to 1 1/4 miles. United has worked steadily in recent weeks and was briefly considered for the Grade 1 Frank Kilroe Mile on turf March 6.

:: Enhance your handicapping with DRF’s Santa Anita Clocker Report

This week, training was not held at Santa Anita on Wednesday and Thursday because of wet conditions. Friday, horses were allowed to jog and gallop, with no recorded workouts. Normal service is expected this weekend.

“He’s doing really well,” Mandella said. “We’re backed up a little bit with workouts.”

The $100,000 San Luis Rey Stakes is expected to include Masteroffoxhounds and Acclimate, the first two finishers of the Grade 2 San Marcos Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf Feb. 6; and Say the Word, winner of the Grade 1 Northern Dancer Stakes at Woodbine in October, but 11th in the Pegasus World Cup Turf on Jan. 23 at Gulfstream Park.