NEWS
Papa Clem returns to form in San Fernando
Posted: Saturday, January 16, 2010 7:40 PM
PAPA CLEM
Benoit & Associates photo
To view the San Fernando Stakes, click here.
by Tim Nichols
Former classic starter Papa Clem took the lead in early stretch and edged away to his first win in seven starts, taking the $150,000 San Fernando Stakes (G2) on Saturday at Santa Anita Park.
Bo Hirsch’s homebred four-year-old Smart Strike colt snapped a six-race winless stretch and secured his first win since taking the Arkansas Derby (G2) last April. He subsequently finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands and sixth in the BlackBerry Preakness Stakes (G1).
Trained by Gary Stute, Papa Clem covered 1 1/16 miles on the synthetic Pro-Ride surface in 1:42.64 and won by a half-length.
Papa Clem was razor sharp entering the race. After finishing third in the Malibu Stakes (G1) on December 26, Papa Clem drilled three consecutive bullet workouts at five, seven, and four furlongs to prepare for the San Fernando.
Ridden by Tyler Baze, Papa Clem broke well and stalked pacesetter Smart Bid through a half-mile in :48.74 and six furlongs in 1:13.12.
“I rode my horse with a lot of confidence,” Baze said. “I didn’t want to get into a speed duel with Mike [Smith on Smart Bid] around the first turn because we would have just killed each other off.”
Entering the stretch, Papa Clem challenged for the lead from the outside and gradually edged away from Smart Bid to secure the win. Smart Bid held on for second, 1¼ lengths in front of 2009 Del Mar Derby (G2) winner Rendezvous.
Next for Papa Clem is the $200,000 Strub Stakes (G2) on February 6 followed by either the $750,000 Santa Anita Handicap (G1) on March 6 or a race on the Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) card on March 27.
Bred in Kentucky by Hirsch, Papa Clem is out 2002 Del Mar Debutante Stakes (G1) winner Miss Houdini, by Belong to Me. He improved to three wins from 13 career starts and earnings of $1,121,190.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Tim Nichols is internet content editor for Thoroughbred Times
