Photo By: Benoit

Preachinatthebar returns to the Santa Anita winner's circle under jockey Javier Santiago, who is congratulated by trainer Bob Baffert after winning the San Felipe (GII). Preachinatthebar is a son of Baffert's 1997 Derby winner Silver Charm.

(March 14, 2004) - Preachinatthebar stamped himself as a Kentucky Derby contender with a win in the San Felipe Stakes (GII) at Santa Anita Sunday, after avoiding Latitude, who dumped his rider at the start and then weaved his way through the field in the first half-mile of the race.

Preachinatthebar, broke well under jockey Javier Santiago from post six, but the race was altered by Latitude in post 1, who stumbled badly out of the gate, unseating jockey Mike Smith. Latitude made his way up into the middle of the field as they entered the first turn, forcing the eventual winner and race favorite St Averil wide into the first turn. Cherion was also taken back by Victor Espinoza to avoid the loose runner.

Down the backstretch, the Bob Baffert trained duo of Odds On and Preachinatthebar ran one-two, with St Averil moving into third. Latitude, the loose horse, moved to the outer portion of the track and did not have any more effect on the race. Preachinatthebar moved past the Odds On nearing the stretch, moved clear down the lane, and then held off a strong rally from St Averil to win by a nose.

Harvard Avenue, well back early, rallied to finish third, 4 1/2 lengths behind the winner. Cheiron was another length back in fourth. Last Minute Detail, Odds On, Action This Day, and Toasted completed the order of finish. Rush Into Heaven and Boss Nass were scratched.

Action This Day was the disappointment in the race. After running closer to the lead than he had in past races, he had no response in the homestretch.

Santiago and Baffert won their second Derby prep in as many weeks, taking the Louisiana Derby (GII) last Sunday with Wimbledon. Preachinatthebar, is owned by Mike Pegram, who won the Kentucky Derby in 1998 with Real Quiet. The winner's share was $150,000. This was the second win in seven lifetime starts for the son of 1997 Derby winner Silver Charm, who was coming off a solid one length defeat in the Sham Stakes.

After the race, Santiago spoke through his interpreter and agent Tony Matos. "I don't know who to choose between Wimbledon and this horse. Bob Baffert told me it's my choice."

As the 8-1 fourth choice, Preachinatthebar paid $19.20, $6.60, and $4.60. St Averil's place was $3.20 and $2.80. Harvard Avenue paid $5.20 to show. The $2 exacta was worth $50.20.

At Tampa Bay Downs, Limehouse's victory in the $250,000 Tampa Bay Derby (GIII) gave jockey Pat Day a sweep of the three-year-old stakes Sunday at Tampa; he earlier won the Tampa Bay Oaks on Ender's Sister.

In the Derby, Limehouse went off as the 4-5 favorite, with Swingforthefences the second choice at 2-1. Limehouse got a clean trip, breaking alertly and settling in fourth for the first three-quarters of a mile. Longshot Very Formal M.D. set the early pace, with Swingforthefences in second. Entering the far turn, Day swung Limehouse four wide to go after the leaders. Mustanfar, well-placed in sixth, was moving with the eventual winner. Day rode his mount vigorously in the last eighth of a mile, getting up for a neck victory over Mustanfar; stopping the clock in 1:43.99 for the 1 1/16 miles. Mustanfar finished a length in front of Swingforthefences, with Zakocity in fourth. Kaufy Mate, Very Formal M.D., Tap Dancer, and Misguided Left completed the order of finish.

Limehouse, trained by Todd Pletcher, won his second graded stakes in a row, taking the Hutcheson (GII) at Gulfstream last month. Overall, he has won five of eight starts, with two thirds. Owner Dogwood Stable earned $150,000 for the victory.

As the favorite, Limehouse paid $3.80, $2.60, and $2.20. Mustanfar paid $4.20 and $2.40 to place. Swingforthefences' show was worth $2.40. The $2 exacta paid $21.40.

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