|
The Factor and Amazombie square off in Bing Crosby
 |
| The Factor won last summer's Pat O'Brien in his only prior start at Del Mar
(Benoit Photos) |
Top California-based sprinters The Factor and Amazombie will meet for the
third time in Sunday's Grade 1, $300,000
Bing
Crosby at Del Mar. The six-furlong Polytrack test serves as a rubber match
between the classy competitors, who tower over the remaining three entrants in
the field.Amazombie, last year's Eclipse Award-winning champion sprinter, fired the
first salvo when defeating The Factor in the Grade 1 Ancient Title at Santa
Anita last October. The Bill Spawr-trained gelding went on to capture the Grade 1
Breeders' Cup Sprint at Churchill Downs.
The Factor earned a measure of revenge when opening 2012 with a victory over
Amazombie in the Grade 2 San Carlos. The multiple Grade 1-winning colt never
fired when shipping to Dubai for the Group 1 Golden Shaheen in late March, and
will be looking to improve upon a disappointing second as the odds-on favorite
in the Grade 1 Triple Bend on June 30. The Factor, a son of War Front, appears to be training
splendidly for Bob Baffert, registering two blistering works at Del Mar, and the
four-year-old gray will likely attempt to carry his speed all the way on the
front end. After missing his last two outings, Martin Garcia will regain the
mount.
|
Amazombie likes to settle just off the speed before offering his best run,
and the six-year-old has proven that he runs well fresh. The California-bred son
of Northern Afleet will be making his
first start since a good second to Shackleford in the Grade 2 Churchill Downs
Sprint 85 days ago, and Mike Smith retains the assignment.
Comma to the Top was a Grade 1-winning juvenile, but his only wins since 2010
have come against allowance rivals. He will switch back to Polytrack after
making his last three attempts on turf. Capital Account and Don Tito each face a
significant class hike following recent allowance victories.
Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com
Send this article to a friend
| 
