Om (Munnings) headlines the field of 12 set to line up for Saturday's GII Mathis Brothers Mile on Santa Anita's opening day card. The 5-2 morning line favorite, known for defeating subsequent Triple Crown winner American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) first out, has made a name for himself since moving to the turf this summer. Second in the GIII La Jolla H. Aug. 9 at Del Mar, the Sareen Family Trust colorbearer earned his first graded score in the GII Del Mar Derby Sept. 6. He annexed the GII Twilight Derby here Oct. 24 and was third in the 1 1/8-mile Hollywood Derby Nov. 28 at Del Mar. The Dan Hendricks trainee will cut back to the one-mile distance here, having run the last three races at 1 1/8 miles, and might appreciate the trip considering his ample early speed.
European import Mister Brightside (Ire) (Lord Shanakill) could offer the biggest challenge to the favorite. A handicap winner sprinting in Great Britain, the bay was runner-up in the Twilight Derby and, most recently, finished ninth in the Hollywood Derby for trainer Jeremy Noseda under a passive Kent Desormeaux ride that his trainer took issue with publically. The 4-1 second choice will make his first start for conditioner Patrick Gallagher and will get the help of Hall of Fame pilot Mike Smith.
Last year's GIII Delta Jackpot winner Ocho Ocho Ocho (Street Sense) made his first turf start in the GIII Penn Mile when fourth May 30. Off ever since, dark bay has boasted a steady local work tab, including a five-furlong bullet in :59 2/5 (1/38) Dec. 7.
Vigilante (Tiznow) has never been out of the exacta in his four lifetime starts. He began his career with seconds in special weights at Churchill June 7 and Belmont July 18. The Gary and Mary West silk-bearer graduated going 1 1/8 miles at Saratoga Aug. 29 and took a Keeneland allowance Oct. 21 for trainer Wayne Catalano. The closer will be tested for class here as he makes his first start for Phil D'Amato.
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