NEWS
Misremembered rolls in Big ’Cap
Posted: Saturday, March 06, 2010 10:31 PM
MISREMEMBERED
Benoit & Associates photo
To view the Santa Anita Handicap, click here.
by Tim Nichols
Misremembered may not be known for possessing an explosive turn of foot, but the game ridgling showcased his high-cruising speed and stamina on Saturday as he held off Neko Bay in the final furlong to win California’s premier race—the $750,000 Santa Anita Handicap (G1).
The four-year-old by Candy Ride (Arg) gave Racing Hall of Famer Bob Baffert his second career win in the Big ’Cap as a trainer and his first as a breeder. Baffert won the 2000 Santa Anita Handicap with General Challenge.
Misremembered raced comfortably in second behind Mast Track for a nearly mile before overtaking the tiring pacesetter at the quarter pole. Inside the eighth pole, Misremembered had plenty of energy in reserve to repel a challenge by Grade 2 winner Neko Bay.
“When he was out there, he didn’t chase after that speed horse,” Baffert said. “He really dug in and a mile and a quarter was not a problem for him.”
Ridden by Martin Garcia, Misremembered raced more than a length off the lead in second as Mast Track set brisk fractions of :47.06 for a half-mile and 1:10.81 for six furlongs.
As Mast Track started to tire, Misremembered launched his steady advance under Garcia. In the stretch, Neko Bay launched a gallant bid from 11th in the 14-horse field, but he came up a half-length short as Misremembered scored as the 4.40-to-1 third betting choice.
Misremembered covered 1¼ miles on the synthetic Pro-Ride surface in 2:00.20.
“I feel amazing, man!” said Garcia, who secured his second career Grade 1 win. “This is the first time I rode in the Big ’Cap and I had the opportunity to make it to the winner’s circle. I’ve been working the horse, and Bob told me to give him a clear break and just not fight him. He wanted me to make one run and that’s what I did.”
Dakota Phone held steady for third, 2¼ lengths behind Neko Bay. St Trinians (GB), the 3-to-1 favorite, was a never a factor in her quest to become the first female to win the Big ’Cap, finishing sixth.
With the win, Misremembered added a Grade 1 win to victories in the 2009 Indiana Derby (G2) and Swaps Stakes (G2). Overall, he improved to five wins and four seconds in 11 career starts and earnings of $1,188,589.
Owned by Baffert’s wife, Jill, and George Jacobs, Misremembered is out of multiple graded stakes winner Beyond Perfection, by Quack.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Tim Nichols is internet content editor for Thoroughbred Times
