California Flag’s reputation precedes him, or so it would seem based
on weights for Saturday’s Grade III San Simeon Handicap for older horses
at about 6 ½ furlongs on turf. The winner of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup
Turf Sprint carries 121 pounds against seven rivals, including likely
pacesetter Ain’t No Other.
The San Simeon marks California Flag’s first start since last
Nov. 11, when he was 12th of 14 in a troubled trip in the BC Turf Sprint
at Churchill Downs.
“Every high weight that was right behind me went in the San
Simeon,” trainer Brian Koriner pointed out. “Nobody sat out. They’re all
there. I didn’t beat Ain’t No Other all that much last time and I’ve
got to give him five pounds. That’s a lot of weight, this early in the
year.”
The field for the San Simeon: Supreme Summit, David Flores, 9-2;
Gallant Son, Leslie Mawing, 12-1; Victory Peter, Chantal Sutherland,
8-1; Sayif, Jose Valdivia Jr., 20-1; Compari, Rafael Bejarano, 3-1;
California Flag, Joe Talamo, 7-2; Irish Art, Joel Rosario. 5-2; and
Ain’t No Other, Mike Smith, 4-1.