American Pharoah, Chandelier kick off Santa Anita meet

Sep 28, 2021 James Scully/TwinSpires.com

A pair of qualifiers for the Kentucky Derby (G1) and
Kentucky Oaks (G1), the $300,000 American Pharoah (G1) and $200,000 Chandelier
(G2), highlight Friday’s opening day program at Santa Anita.

The 1 1/16-mile races award points on a 10-4-2-1 scale, but Bob
Baffert-trained runners won’t be eligible.  

In the seven-horse American Pharoah, Corniche and Rockefeller
are eligible to be 1-2 in the wagering following impressive maiden wins, and
Baffert will also send out Flying
Drummer, a $850,000 son of top freshman sire Gun Runner who has finished
second in both starts.

A convincing winner of the Best Pal S. (G2), Pappacap will try to rebound after a
fourth in the Sept. 6 Del Mar Futurity (G1). Mark Casse trains the Gun Runner
colt, and Joe Bravo will retain the mount.

After finishing second at 38-1 in the Del Mar Futurity, Finneus is also back for the American Pharoah.
Tiago Pereira will be up for Walther Solis. Joker Boy will try open rivals after remaining unbeaten in the
Sept. 4 I’m Smokin S. for California-breds, and last-out maiden winner Oviatt Class rounds out the field.

Seven fillies are set for the Chandelier, and Grace Adler will take some beating
following an 11-length romp in the Sept. 5 Del Mar Debutante (G1). Flavien Prat
rides the daughter of Curlin for Baffert, who will also Censorship, winless from three attempts.

Debutante runner-up Dance
to the Music will also return, as well as Sorrento (G2) winner Elm Drive, who will look to show more
after failing to fire last time.

Electric Ride
will try to make an impact after a sharp debut win at Del Mar, netting a 90
Brisnet Speed rating for the 8 1/2-length decision. Bravo sticks with the
Daredevil filly for John Sadler. Phil D’Amato will be represented by last-out
maiden scorers Ain’t Easy and Desert Dawn.