Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Amazombie, a finalist for an Eclipse
Award as outstanding sprinter, worked six furlongs before sun up on
Santa Anita Anita’s fast main track Saturday in 1:15.60.
“He started slow but finished fast,” said trainer Bill Spawr,
adding that “I’m not sure I’m running (in next Saturday’s Grade II Palos
Verdes Stakes at six furlongs).”
Regular rider Mike Smith will be aboard Amazombie if he runs in
the Palos Verdes. Smith has ridden the California-bred son of Northern
Afleet in 16 of his 23 career races, the last five in a row, including
the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.
Smith will be a member of Spawr’s party that will attend Monday
night’s dinner at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel at which the Eclipse Award
winners will be announced. The 46-year-old Hall of Fame jockey is
hopeful Amazombie is named champion sprinter, but has learned not to be
overconfident.
“I thought I was going to win that a few times and didn’t, with
some other horses, not to mention their names,” Smith said, chuckling,
“so you never know. But boy, Amazombie sure deserves it, so hopefully we
get it.”
Probable for the Palos Verdes: Amazombie, Mike Smith; Courtside,
Joel Rosario; Euroears, no rider; and M One Rifle, Joe Talamo.
Possible: Frumious, Galientos, Mensa Heat and Sway Away.