The well-regarded colt War Academy rebounded from a fourth-place finish in the San Vicente Stakes (gr. II) to win a 1 1/16th miles allowance optional claiming race at Santa Anita Park by 3 1/2 lengths.
Ridden to victory by Mike Smith, the Bob Baffert-trained son of Giant's Causeway showed decent tactical speed during the early stages of the race, settling in second place behind pace-setting stablemate Manando as that one led through slow fractions of :24.41 and :48.64 seconds. Moving round the turn, Manando attempted -- with some success -- to shake off War Academy's pursuit, opening up a five-length lead following three-quarters of a mile in 1:11.89 seconds.
However, War Academy had a few extra gears to use, and re-closed the gap with ease in the homestretch. Coming past the sixteenth pole, War Academy stormed past Manando, eventually hitting the wire 3 1/2 lengths in front while stopping the clock in 1:43.42 seconds.
Owned by Michael Tabor, John Magnier, and Derrick Smith, War Academy is expected to contest a major Kentucky Derby prep race in the near future, with the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) on April 6th being a prime possibility.
-Keelerman
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