Glen Hill Farm homebred Chiropractor (Kitten's Joy) comes into this contest off an upset victory in the GI Hollywood Derby over the Del Mar lawn Nov. 28. Making a big jump up in class from the optional claimer ranks to a Grade I last time, the now 4-year-old's victory was further flattered last weekend when runner-up Om (Munnings) scored an impressive victory in the GII Mathis Brothers Mile.
Trainer Phil D'Amato has two strong chances to win, led by dual Grade I winner Obviously (Ire) (Choisir {Aus}), who has yet to find the winner's circle this season. The millionaire gelding checked in third behind subsequent GI Breeders' Cup Mile runner-up Mondialiste (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the GI Woodbine Mile Sept. 13 prior to fading to ninth in the Breeders' Cup. He will be joined in the gate by stablemate Big John B (Hard Spun), who gave a fine performance last time out in the GII Hollywood Turf Cup when finishing second to GI Arlington Million winner The Pizza Man (English Channel). He failed to factor in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Oct. 31, but boasted three consecutive victories prior, including the GII Del Mar H. Aug. 22.
Another interesting runner comes in the form of Fox Hill Farms and Siena Farms's Bal a Bali (Brz) (Put It Back). A multiple Group 1 winner in his native country, the Richard Mandella pupil was a close second to Midnight Storm (Pioneerof the Nile) last time out in the GII Seabiscuit H. at Del Mar Nov. 27. Victorious in his American debut in this venue's GIII American S. May 9, the dark bay finished fifth in the GI Shoemaker Mile June 13 and the GII Del Mar Mile H. Aug. 23. He returned to his winning ways in a Del Mar optional claimer Oct. 30 prior to his effort in the Seabiscuit last time.
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