When it comes to conquests in South America, Ron McAnally will never challenge Simon Bolivar.
But the 80-year-old Hall of Fame trainer certainly holds his own
with successful Thoroughbred imports from Latin America, one of which
is Interaction, who will seek his first stakes win in North America when
he runs in next Saturday’s San Luis Rey Stakes at 1 ½ miles on the
turf.
A 7-year-old Argentine-bred horse owned by Pozo de Luna, Inc.,
Interaction was second last out in the Grade II San Marcos Stakes at 1 ¼
miles on the grass Feb. 9. He closed fast from 10 lengths back early on
to be beaten just a length by Slim Shadey, who led throughout, going
unchallenged on the front end.
The San Ley Rey distance should be no problem for Interaction,
according to McAnally, who has won the race three times, twice with the
immortal John Henry (1980 and 1981) and with Dark Moondancer in 2000.
“This is a mile and a half and he won the Pellegrini in
Argentina at a mile and half,” McAnally said, referring to the Group 1
classic at San Ysidro in December of 2009. “Interaction is training
well, he looks good and he likes this turf course. Hopefully, he runs
better.
“I think he can beat Slim Shadey. He got an easy lead (in the San Marcos).”
Probable for the San Luis Rey: All Squared Away, Interaction, John Scott and Slim Shadey.