Bob Baffert said Friday morning he is “seriously looking at” running
The Factor in the $200,000 San Carlos Stakes a week from Saturday, Feb.
25. If so, the speedy winner of the Grade I Malibu Stakes on Dec. 26
could face Breeders’ Cup Sprint champion Amazombie in the Grade II race
at seven furlongs, which will mark the long-overdue 2012 debut of the
California-bred Amazombie.
The Factor has been working up a storm on Hollywood Park’s
Cushion Track. In his most recent drill, he went seven furlongs
Wednesday in a bullet 1.26.20. San Carlos nominee Sway Away also worked
six furlongs at Hollywood Monday, going six furlongs in 1:26.40 for Jeff
Bonde.
Amazombie, meanwhile, worked six furlongs on Santa Anita’s main
track Friday under the cover of darkness as is his wont in 1:12.60 with
jockey Alex Bisono up.
“He galloped out in 1:25 and three (fifths) and pulled up a mile in 1:39,” trainer Bill Spawr said.
“When he got back here (pointing to the gap at the clocker’s stand), he wasn’t even blowing. He’s amazing.”
Added Bisono: “He felt strong. He works better every time.”
Baffert said he also was considering the Tom Fool at Aqueduct on
March 3 for The Factor. It’s a Grade III race at six furlongs with a
purse of $200,000.
San Carlos nominee Mensa Heat is scheduled to work six furlongs Sunday under Joe Talamo for the race, trainer Ted H. West said.