First Big Sophomore Matchup Produces Big Drama In San Felipe

By Margaret Ransom

Saturday’s $400,000 San Felipe Stakes (GII) at Santa Anita Park marked the first big matchup of the best 3-year-old Kentucky Derby (GI) hopefuls in the west in Bolt D’Oro and McKinize. And when all was said and done and the dust settled, racing fans clamoring for some excitement were not disappointed.

At the finish of the 1 1/16-mile event, the Bob Baffert-trained McKinzie was a head to the good of the Mick Ruis-trained Bolt D’Oro, but after a lengthy stewards inquiry and a rider objection resulting from at least two bumping incidents involving the top two, Bolt D’Oro was the runner led into the winner’s circle and McKinzie was unsaddled and headed back to the test barn with little fanfare.

As the rare Southern California rain began to fall harder, the field of seven all broke cleanly from the gate and, as expected, Bob Lewis Stakes (GII) winner Lombo… (more)