NEWS

Richard’s Kid looks to rebound in San Antonio

Posted: Thursday, February 04, 2010 5:15 PM

RICHARD'S KID

Benoit & Associates photo

by Steve Bailey

Arnold Zetcher’s Grade 1 winner Richard’s Kid was on top of the world following a victory in the Pacific Classic Stakes (G1) in September at Del Mar.

The five-year-old Lemon Drop Kid horse will try to recapture some of that magic as he opens his 2010 season against ten challengers in the $150,000 San Antonio Handicap (G2) on Sunday at Santa Anita Park.

Following the victory in the Pacific Classic over multiple Grade 1 winner Einstein (Brz) and highly regarded Rail Trip, Richard’s Kid finished third in the Goodwood Stakes (G1) in October and sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) a month later to cap a 2009 season in which he won three of 11 starts.

Trained by Bob Baffert, Richard’s Kid has won six of 21 career starts and earned $801,370.

Ken and Sarah Ramsey’s Furthest Land capped his 2009 season with consecutive victories in the Kentucky Cup Classic Stakes (G2) and the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) for trainer Mike Maker.

The five-year-old Smart Strike gelding will try to bounce back from a disappointing last-place finish in the 1 1/16-mile San Pasqual Handicap (G2) on January 9 at the Arcadia, California, track.

Grade 1 winner Mast Track won only one of seven starts last season, capturing the Native Diver Handicap (G3) in his season finale on December 12 at Hollywood Park.

Formerly owned and trained by the late Bobby Frankel, the six-year-old Mizzen Mast gelding will make his first start for trainer John Shirreffs in the 1 1/8-mile San Antonio.

Also entered are 2008 Pattison Canadian International Stakes (Can-G1) winner Marsh Side, who will try to snap a seven-start winless skid, and Grade 2 winner Nownownow, who won the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.

Steve Bailey is deputy news editor of Thoroughbred Times

San Antonio H.