Sophomores Get Distance Test in San Felipe

Three of the top contenders in Saturday's $200,000 San Felipe S. (G2) will be making their first start around two turns, and the 1 1/16-mile event for three-year-olds on Santa Anita's Cushion Track could go a long way in revealing who can, or who can't, handle a route of ground. The San Felipe, which is named for the Rancho Valle de San Felipe located in present-day San Diego County, is a major local stepping stone to the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April 5.

Del Mar Futurity (G1) winner GEORGIE BOY (Tribal Rule) comes off a convincing 3 1/4-length victory in the San Vicente S. (G2) in his seasonal debut, running seven furlongs over this surface in 1:20. The time was just off the track record of 1:19 4/5. Trainer Kathy Walsh believes the dark bay gelding can successfully negotiate the added distance, but she won't know for sure until he does it.

"You never know until you run a horse two turns, there's no doubt about it," Walsh said. "You certainly know one that's rank to train, and kind of a head case, and this horse is anything but that. He relaxes and does everything right."

Rafael Bejarano, who rode Georgie Boy in the San Vicente, has a return call.

GAYEGO (Gilded Time) stalked the early pace before rallying to a 2 3/4-length score in the 6 1/2-furlong San Pedro S. in his last start. The Paulo Lobo-trained colt is well drawn on the rail for a ground-saving trip under regular rider Mike Smith.

"I really think a lot of him," Smith said. "I wouldn't trade his talent with anybody's. The only thing to worry about is, he's never gone long yet, and you want to know if he can or not."

The speedy BOB BLACK JACK (Stormy Jack) set a North American record in his most recent outing, winning the six-furlong Sunshine Millions Dash in 1:06.53. In the process, the dark bay colt provided California-breds with their lone victory over Florida-breds on the Sunshine Millions program. As usual, David Flores rides.

SHEDIAK (Fr) (Selkirk), who closed out his juvenile campaign with a good third-place effort in the Grand Criterium (Fr-G1) at Longchamp, will make his U.S. debut in the San Felipe. Now trained by Doug O'Neill, the bay colt is an intriguing sleeper. Frenchman Julien Leparoux will ride.

San Rafael S. (G3) runner-up INDIAN SUN (Indian Charlie), who was under consideration for Saturday's Rebel S. (G2) at Oaklawn Park, is also entered.

The field for the San Felipe, in post position order, with jockeys, is Gayego; SOUTHWEST (Cozzene), Corey Nakatani; Bob Black Jack; Georgie Boy; Indian Sun, Alex Solis; GO FOR COVER (Elusive Quality), Michael Baze; CHOP HOUSE GEORGE (Untuttable), Joe Talamo; Shediak; and HIGH STAKES SILVER (Silver Deputy), Martin Garcia.

Georgie Boy and Bob Black Jack will carry 117 pounds, the rest 115.