Papa Clem tops San Fernando

Saturday's $150,000

San

Fernando S. (G2) is one of three graded events at Santa Anita on Saturday,

along with the San Rafael S. (G3) and San Ynez S. (G2), and Grade 2 winner PAPA

CLEM (Smart Strike) is the one to beat in the 1 1/16-mile event for

four-year-olds. The Gary Stute-trained colt hasn't visited the winner's circle

since capturing the Arkansas Derby (G2) last April, but he exits an encouraging

third in the Malibu S. (G1) and looks a solid choice in the eight-horse field.

Beaten less than a half-length for second in the Kentucky Derby (G1), Papa

Clem appeared to go off form following that commendable showing in the slop at

Churchill Downs. He registered four unplaced efforts in his next five starts,

with the lone exception being a third against questionable company in the Long

Branch S., and earned a 3 1/2-month rest following a disappointing seventh in

the grassy Del Mar Derby (G2). The bay Kentucky-bred returned from the brief

freshening with an improved performance in the December 26 Malibu, missing

second by only a neck, and is eligible to keep his momentum moving forward in

the San Fernando. Tyler Baze, who picked up the mount last time, will be back in

the saddle.

Grade 3 victor MYTHICAL POWER (Congaree) never fired when returning from 7

1/2-month hiatus in the Malibu, but he could show more stretching back out to

two turns off the seven-furlong heat. The Bob Baffert runner broke his maiden

going a route on the Pro-Ride last March, and he romped by 7 1/2-lengths in the

Lone Star Derby (G3) two starts back, netting a 100 BRIS Speed rating. Joel

Rosario will be up.

The other contestants are GALLANT SON (Malabar Gold), who offered a bold late

run for second in the Sir Beaufort S. (G3) last time off a lengthy layoff;

QUINDICI MAN (Came Home), who will return to the graded level following

victories in the Zia Park Derby, Jack Coady Sr. S. and Pomona Derby; SMART BID

(Smart Strike), winner of the Damascus S. two starts back on the Breeders' Cup

Saturday undercard; Del Mar Derby upsetter RENDEZVOUS (Victory Gallop); and

Grade 1-placed MR. HOT STUFF (Tiznow).