Skippylongstocking, the recent Pegasus World Cup winner, tops the entries for Saturday's Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap at Santa Anita Park. The 7-year-old horse returns to California aiming to build on his strong form over 1 1/4 miles. Other contenders include Westwood, making his debut under a new trainer following a recent victory.
The Santa Anita Handicap, a $300,000 Grade 1 race over 1 1/4 miles, draws a competitive field highlighted by Skippylongstocking. Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. for owner Daniel Alonso, the Exaggerator gelding enters with a record of 36 starts, 13 wins, 3 seconds, and 7 thirds, along with earnings of $5,461,250. His most recent success came on January 24 at Gulfstream Park, where he secured his first Grade 1 victory in the Pegasus World Cup. Skippylongstocking will carry top weight of 125 pounds and is ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, who partnered him to that win. Last May, he also captured the Hollywood Gold Cup at Santa Anita over the same distance.
Westwood, a 4-year-old Authentic gelding owned by C R K Stable, steps up after winning the San Pasqual Stakes on January 31 at Santa Anita, marking his first graded victory over 1 1/8 miles. Now trained by Peter Eurton following the death of John Shirreffs on February 13 at age 80, Westwood has a record of 10: 2-3-3 with $313,900 earned. He recently posted a sharp four-furlong workout in 46.60 seconds, the fastest of 79 at that distance. Kazushi Kimura retains the mount after riding him to success in the San Pasqual.
Getaway Car, trained by Bob Baffert for SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, and partners, finished 2 3/4 lengths behind Westwood in the San Pasqual. The 4-year-old Curlin colt, with a 10: 3-3-0 record and $656,300 in earnings, seeks his first graded win since age two and will be ridden by Juan Hernandez.
Just a Touch, a 5-year-old Justify horse under Brad Cox for Qatar Racing, Resolute Racing, and Marc Detampel, returns from a six-month layoff. He was narrowly beaten by a neck in the Louisiana Stakes over 1 1/16 miles at Fair Grounds and aims for his initial stakes success.