Trackside: Steve Sherack’s Wednesday Morning BC Report

Kathy Ritvo made her way through the horsemen’s parking lot carrying a pristine set of Frank C. Calabrese’s white-and-black silks shortly after 7 a.m. on a crisp Wednesday morning at Santa Anita. Ritvo–who trained Mucho Macho Man to a thrilling victory in last year’s Classic–will saddle Calabrese’s speedy homebred Fast Anna (Medaglia d’Oro), a son of 2006 Juvenile Fillies champ Dreaming of Anna, in Saturday’s Sprint. 

Al Shaqab Racing’s formidable duo of Osaila (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) and the physically imposing Toronado (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}) immediately caught the eye upon entering the main track while defending F/M Turf heroineDank (GB) (Dansili {GB}) tossed her head clearly looking to do more while making her first lap around the turf course. Frankie Dettori was hard to miss sporting a big smile aboard the Juvenile Fillies Turf contender while England’s 2014 champion jockey Richard Hughes guided the morning-line favorite for the Mile. 

Juvenile contender Upstart (Flatter) made a favorable impression while awaiting the track to re-open at 7:45 a.m. as exercise rider Jorge Alvarez planted one on Bayern (Offlee Wild). Hall of Famer Bob Baffert kept a close eye on his Classic contender–as well as Dirt Mile entrant Fed Biz (Giant’s Causeway) and jaw-dropping maiden winner One Lucky Dane (Lookin At Lucky)–from the top floor of the Trackside Breakfast Marquee at the top of the stretch. 

With co-owners and longtime friends Jake Ballis and NBA power forward Rashard Lewis in attendance, Cigar Street (Street Sense) really stood out during his trackwork as he continues to gear up in style for the Classic. Jay Em Ess Stable’s Samantha Siegel and trainer Michelle Nevin watched from the apron as GI Frizette S. heroine By the Moon (Indian Charlie) got her first glimpse at Santa Anita. 

Tapiture (Tapit) flashed his usual good energy during another strong gallop while Anodin (Ire) (Anabaa) led out a single-file group of European-based runners along the outer rail. Trainer and former jockey Freddy Head, fittingly sporting a purple sweater, conducted an interview in French with Equidia after watching the full-brother to the brilliant three-time Mile victress Goldikova (Ire) canter on the main course. 

Hong Kong invader Rich Tapestry (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) was awfully hard to miss fitted with his screen blinkers. It was business as usual for trainer Sean McCarthy, who was aboard his stable pony throughout the morning while overseeing the day’s action. He will be well-represented by GI Gold Cup at Santa Anita hero and live longshot Majestic Harbor (Rockport Harbor) in the $5-million main event. 

Assistant trainer Alan Sherman made his way up the grandstand staircase to conduct a radio interview with HRRN shortly after 9 a.m. The dual Classic winner California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) galloped 1 5/8 miles at Santa Anita at 6:30 a.m., respectively. 

With training hours winding down as the temperature began to warm up in the upper 60s under pristine blue skies, Dayatthespa (City Zip), Stephanie’s Kitten (Kitten’s Joy), Sweet Reason (Street Sense), Tourist (Tiznow), Wind Fire(Distorted Humor) and Work All Week (City Zip) closed out another truly spectacular morning at the Great Race Place. 

(Click here for Wednesday’s photo page).