Yiannis back in allowance ranks

DEL MAR, Calif. – Yiannis returns to allowance company in Wednesday’s sixth race, his first start since suffering his first career defeat in the Laz Barrera on May 10.

Yiannis faded to finish fourth in the Laz Barrera following wins against maidens Jan. 31 and then in the San Pedro Stakes on April 12, all at Santa Anita.

Trainer John Sadler is hoping a more sensible pace Wednesday returns Yiannis to the winner’s circle.

“They went crazy on the front end the other day,” Sadler said, referring to the 43.64-second half-mile split Yiannis set in the Grade 3 Laz Barrera going seven furlongs.

Yiannis was entered in a similar allowance race earlier in the Del Mar meet but was scratched owing to a freak storm that left the track sealed and sloppy.

“We’ve been patient,” Sadler said. “We want to get him back on the beam.”

Wednesday’s race, at six furlongs, also drew the 2014 Barrera winner, Top Fortitude, as well as the comebacking stakes winner Story to Tell.