1/15-16 (SA): Sham (G3), San Fernando, Santa Ynez, El Encino (G2's)

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by eajinabi

Who says anything about not having rivalries? Have them square off in the main event, not the undercard.

Those "preps" aren't undercard races, though. Good horses facing each other is not supposed to be a one-off event. Those multiple matchups should serve to build up to the main event.

Because of that "buildup", the results of those prep races don't necessarily hold true in the final marquee event either.

Judge Angelucci dusted Ferdinand in the '88 San Antonio, yet wasn't close to him in the Big Cap (Ferdinand was nostrilized by Alysheba).

Ruhlmann was drilled by Criminal Type in the '90 San Antonio, then stole the Big Cap (and later the San Bernadino) over that rival.

Congaree made a mess of Milwaukee Brew (and Pleasantly Perfect) in the '03 San Antonio, but was tagged at the wire by that rival in the Big Cap.