Great renewal of the Californian. Heatseeker (Native Diver), Tiago (Swaps), and Surf Cat (Mervyn LeRoy) all own stakes wins over the track and are in top form on paper. Albertus Maximus is well thought of, having been runner-up to Tiago in the Swaps before getting his head ripped off in the Pacific Classic as a 3yo. Makes his 3rd start off a layoff with his last being an impressive allowance win over the track at short-odds. Even Shamdinan brings some back class, having a Grade 1 win on turf last year in addition to his runner-up spot in the BC Turf. Making his first start for Dan McFarlane, who I think trains privately for Triple B Farms (the horse has been with Doug O'Neill out west and Angel Penna back east). This colt will probably be last all the way around. He should probably go back to Penna who can spot him in some marathon races on off-turf back there at places like Delaware and Philly Park. I think there might even be an Atlantic City meet maybe.
|