The Factor and Amazombie square off in Bing Crosby
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.