Air Commander Victorious In San Fernando Stakes at Santa Anita Park
The 52-1 choice Air Commander, ridden by jockey Aaron Gryder, shocked rivals as he won by a nose over Johnny Eves in the $200,000 San Fernando Stakes (gr. II) race for 4-year-olds at Santa Anita Park on Saturday, January 12.
Trained by Bob Baffert, Air Commander covered 1 1/16 miles and had huge payoffs of $106.80, $28, and $10.60. Coming a nose behind, Malibu Stakes winner Johnny Eves with jockey David Flores returned $7.40 and $4.40. Making his 2008 debut, Tiago under jockey Mike Smith paid $2.60 to show.
The son of Point Given, co-bred and owned by Robert N. Clay, Air Commander, missed eight months of action last year following a second-place finish as the 6-5 choice in the San Felipe (gr. II). Although there was nothing really wrong, he just needed time to grow up, Baffert said.
“We freshened him up and brought him back with with a couple of outings, and he needed those outings,” horse trainer Bob Baffert said. “He was really training exceptionally well for this race.
Finishing fourth in Santa Anita Park’s San Ferando Stakes is Ravel followed by Sahara Heat, Great Hunter, Monzante, Hurry Up Austin, Smooth and Savvy, Frank the Barber and Big Bad Leroybrown. Monterey Jazz was scratched.
"Air Commander Victorious In San Fernando Stakes at Santa Anita Park" was posted on 12 January 2008 8:51 PM under Horse Racing News, Horses, Stakes Races
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