Triple Header of Stakes at Santa Anita Sunday

By Emily Shields 

There are three 6 ½ furlong turf races – which means down the hill at Santa Anita – on Sunday, including two for California-breds and the grade 3 San Simeon. 

The $100,000 Sensational Star for older males goes as Race 2. It drew a field of seven. #2 Brandothebartneder (3-1) is four for 13 on the course and is coming off a nose victory going a mile in an allowance on December 31. He won the California Flag Handicap here in October and gets Rafael Bejarano today. #5 Eddie Haskell (2-1) won a five furlong dash here on February 22, earning a 98 Beyer Speed Figure. He has won four of his last six starts. #7 Pee Wee Reese (8-5) goes for Phil D’Amato; he hasn’t run since August 17 at Del Mar but is four for five on the course.

The $100,000 San Simeon (G3) is Race 4. All eyes will be on #1 Conquest Tsunami (4-5), a wickedly fast type with over $780k in earnings. He has never been worse than third at the distance, is coming off a big victory in the Clocker’s Corner Stakes here on January 27, and trainer Peter Miller is likely to have him primed for this. #2 Law Abidin Citizen (9-2) cuts back after running fifth at a mile; he won over this trip October 27 of last year.

Rounding out the action is the $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for Cal-bred fillies and mares, slated to run as Race 8. This may be the most competitive event on the nine-race card, or it could be a romp for #10 S Y Sky (5-2), who is two for two on this course. She won the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint here January 26, then was second in the Spring Fever on the dirt February 24. She has been first or second in nine of ten tries, and never worse than third. #9 X S Gold (5-1) has won two of her last three, both allowance starts. #5 Gypsy Blu (4-1) has won two in a row and three of her last four; all three wins came at a sprint on the grass against allowance company.

First post on Sunday is 1pm Pacific for a nine-race card.