The Factor and Amazombie square off in Bing Crosby

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.

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