Pam and Martin Wygod's last out GI Santa Anita Derby fourth Prospect Park (Tapit) looks to get back on track in this return to the races as the 6-5 morning line favorite Sunday. The homebred yet again receives the services of pilot Kent Desormeaux and graduated over track and trip Dec. 27 before making it back-to-back wins landing an optional claimer in stalking fashion cut back to a mile Jan. 30. Only 1 1/4 lengths behind 'TDN Rising Star' and MGISW Dortmund (Big Brown) after a troubled trip in the GII San Felipe S. Mar. 7, the Triple Crown nominee does not face an easy task and leaves from stall five. “I'm happy with the outside post,” said trainer Cliff Sise, Jr. “It gives us options on strategy. I see him sitting outside, second or third, and doing his thing in the stretch.”
The lightly raced second-choice Om (Munnings)–who defeated dual-Classic hero American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) over the synthetic at Del Mar in the latter's debut last August in addition to a slew of other GISP colts–goes hunting for his second victory since a 2 1/4-length optional claiming tally over the turf here in front-running style May 10. “The grass was the only two-turn race, timing wise, so we ran there,” said trainer Dan Hendricks. “But it's a good time to try him, before Del Mar.”
Stonestreet Stables and Spendthrift Farm's Cyrus Alexander (Medaglia d'Oro) will also try for his second win in a row since annexing an optional claimer in Arcadia Apr. 16, while Gimme Da Lute (Midnight Lute) aims for an initial success in open company after a pair of victories against Cal-breds, including the Echo Eddie S. Apr. 4. Third in the GIII Pat Day Mile beneath the Twin Spires on Kentucky Derby Day, the Bob Baffert trainee filled that spot again in the Chick Lang S. at Pimlico last time May 16.
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