Brant makes anticipated return in San Felipe

Brant, one of last year's leading two-year-olds, kicks off his sophomore campaign Saturday in the $200,000 San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita.

The 1 1/16-mile San Felipe has attracted a field of seven. Kentucky Derby (G1) qualifying points of 50-25-15-10-5 will be allotted to the top five finishers.

Brant, trained by Bob Baffert, kicked off his career in style with a 5 1/4-length debut win at Del Mar. After a more workmanlike victory in the Del Mar Futurity (G1) in which he set a strong pace, Brant led for much of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) before retreating to third.

Although beaten 1 1/2 lengths by Ted Noffey and a half-length by runner-up Mr. A. P., Brant is the last horse standing among the Juvenile's top three. The top two were both removed from Kentucky Derby consideration over the winter due to infirmities.

Baffert, who has won the San Felipe a record nine times, also saddles Potente, a $2.4 million son of Into Mischief who won on debut Jan. 31 going six furlongs.

Brant's leading foe on paper is So Happy, who stretched out after a two-length win in the seven-furlong San Vicente (G2) on Jan. 10. The son of sprint champion Runhappy earned a 101 Brisnet Speed rating for the performance.

Secured Freedom lost to So Happy on debut at Del Mar in November, but later broke his maiden and then finished third in the Robert B. Lewis (G3). Also in the field is Start the Ride, who graduated when winning the California Cup Derby in mid-January.

The $300,000 Santa Anita H. (G1) lost a major contender Tuesday when Pegasus World Cup (G1) winner Skippy Longstocking was reportedly unloaded from a plane transporting him from Florida to California after he became unsettled shortly before takeoff.

The Big 'Cap is now led by San Pasqual (G2) winner Westwood, the final stakes winner for the late trainer John Shirreffs. Westwood, who defeated Getaway Car by 2 3/4 lengths, has since been transferred to the barn of Peter Eurton.

The only non-local in the field is multiple Grade 1-placed Just a Touch, narrowly beaten in the Monmouth Cup (G3) and Louisiana (G3) as an odds-on choice in his last two.

The $300,000 Beholder Mile (G1), for fillies and mares, is led by Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) winner Splendora. She enters the Beholder on a four-race win streak, most recently taking the D. Wayne Lukas (G2), formerly the Santa Monica.

Trainer Bob Baffert has also entered Nafisa, who won her stakes debut in the La Canada (G3) last time, while ship-in contenders include Bless the Broken and Dazzling Move.

A lot of speed is signed on for the $200,000 Frank E. Kilroe Mile (G2) on the turf. Cabo Spirit, Mi Bago, Final Boss, and El Potente should ensure a lively pace for the likes of Gas Me Up and Almendares, the latter an upset third in the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) last time.