Race Recaps Idol’s Late Rally Captures Big Cap March 6, 2021 Credit: Ernie Belmonte Race Recaps Idol’s Late Rally Captures Big Cap March 6, 2021 By: Curtis "Magic" Kalleward twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article ARCADIA, CA – Calvin Nguyen’s Idol put forth a strong late rally past Express Train to capture Saturday’s $400,000 Santa Anita Handicap (G1) at Santa Anita Park. ( Content Continues Below Ad ) Idol broke from post 6 under new rider Joel Rosario at 5/1 odds and settled well off the early pace. King Guillermo outkicked Tizamagician for command and posted opening fractions of :22.82, :47.12, and 1:12.26.Tizamagician ranged up in the far turn and challenged for the lead, bringing Express Train along his outside, just as Rosario gave Idol the green light and began sweeping past rivals as he straightened for home.Flying late in the stretch, the Richard Baltas trainee collared Express Train in the shadow of the wire before crossing a 1/2-length clear, completing the 1 1/14-mile fast dirt route in 2:02.46.Credit: Ernie Belmonte“My horse loves this distance,” Rosario said. “I just wanted to keep him away from the rail and he handled it easily. He responded when it came time to run and he had some kick. I appreciate the opportunity Richard Baltas gave me for this ride. I had never been on him. I watched all his races and I could see he tries hard every time. What a strong finish today! He ran really big.”Express Train was 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Maxfield, the even-money favorite who was undefeated in 5 starts entering the Big Cap.Independence Hall, Tizamagician, Kiss Today Goodbye, Coastal Defense, and King Guillermo completed the order of finish. Idol’s win was his first at the stakes level and represented a sharp return to form after failing to win the San Antonio Stakes (G2) and the San Pasqual Stakes (G2) earlier this meet. The 4-year-old Curlin colt, purchased for $375,000 as a yearling, upped his lifetime bankroll to $416,464.“He was wide, he was far back, but Joel said he didn’t want any of the kick back in his face, so we took the wide route,” Baltas said. “He’s got a big, lovely long stride, so that’s why we were thinking a mile and 1/4 for sure. We needed all of Joel Rosario’s power in the stretch to get him home. It was a great win. It’s a race you dream about winning.”Idol returned $12.80 to win, $6.40 to place, and $3.40 to show. Express Train brought back $5.40 to place and $2.80 to show. Maxfield paid $2.40 to show.
College Football Week 11 and NFL Week 10 Picks | Dudes Who Bet Sports 214 Aaron & Papa Dude give their College Football picks for… Read More
Official Breeders’ Cup 2024 Picks | Blinkers Off 692 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for the 41st… Read More
Jon White Breeders’ Cup 2024 Interview and Picks | Blinkers Off 691 The Racing Dudes interview Jon White, former Santa Anita, Del… Read More
Breeders’ Cup Classic and Football Picks | Dudes Who Bet Sports 213 Aaron & Papa Dude give their College Football picks for… Read More
Breeders’ Cup 2024 Pre-Entries Analysis | Blinkers Off 690 The Racing Dudes dive into the 2024 Breeders’ Cup pre-entries… Read More
Breeders’ Cup 2024 Top 5 Performances Aaron gives his Top 5 Breeders’ Cup performances from the… Read More
Who is the 2024 3-Year-Old Male of the Year? Aaron gives his thoughts on who should be the 2024… Read More
College Football Week 11 and NFL Week 10 Picks | Dudes Who Bet Sports 214 Aaron & Papa Dude give their College Football picks for… Read More