American Anthem rebounds in Laz Barrera

After a pair of bad losses in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and Rebel Stakes (G2), American Anthem found the perfect spot for a confidence-builder while cutting back to a 7-furlong sprint in Saturday’s $100,000 Lazaro Barrera (G3) at Santa Anita. The Bob Baffert-trained colt seized the lead leaving the far turn and drove to a 1 ¾-length victory beneath Mike Smith.

Favored at 4-5 among five sophomores, American Anthem finished in 1:22.02.

A debut winner at Del Mar on December 3, the son of Bodemeister established himself as a promising Kentucky Derby contender when following with a head second to the accomplished Gormley in the January 7 Sham (G3) at Santa Anita. However, nothing went right in the next two starts as American Anthem checked in 10^th as the 8-5 Rebel favorite and a 12^th of 13 runners in the Santa Anita Derby.

Sutton Impact sped forward at the break of the Laz Barrera, establishing hot splits in :21.85 and :44.33 while being chased by Taxman’s Quest and Aristocratic.

Smith eased American Anthem back after breaking from the rail post, angling out to stalk the pace in fourth before advancing to challenge on the far turn. The bay colt traveled three wide through the bend before offering his best stride into the stretch. Kimbear tried to rally into contention from the rear of the field, but could never draw even with the winner and had to settle for second as the 2-1 second choice.

It was 4 ¾ lengths back to 3-1 third choice Aristocratic. Taxman’s Quest and Sutton Impact came next and Bobby Abu Dhabi was scratched.

Bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm, American Anthem is owned by China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners LLC, SF Racing LLC et al. He was purchased for $435,000 at the 2016 OBS March 2-year-old sale and is out of the A.P. Indy mare Indy’s Windy, a half-sister to champion 3-year-old filly Banshee Breeze.