Eckersley makes first start in a year

ARCADIA, Calif. – Eckersley proved to be an effective closer when he rallied from 11th to finish third in the Grade 3 All American Stakes at Golden Gate Fields last May in his stakes debut. The result came with a price.

Eckersley emerged with a tendon injury that left him sidelined for the rest of 2016. Now 5, Eckersley makes his comeback in an optional claimer at a mile on turf in Friday’s third race at Santa Anita.

“Hopefully, he’s going to win,” trainer Scott Hansen said. “He came up with a minor tendon injury, and we gave him some time off. They take a long time to heal.”

Eckersley is part of a field of eight runners. Tyler Baze rides Eckersley for the first time.

KEY CONTENDERS

Eckersley, by Congrats Last 3 Beyers: 93-80-80

◗ Owned by Gary Broad, Eckersley beat maidens on turf in his second start in January 2015, the only time he has finished in the money in five career starts on turf. Hansen said he considered a return trip to Golden Gate Fields for the All American Stakes, to be run on the synthetic main track on Monday, but opted for Friday’s optional claimer closer to home.

“He’s a synthetic horse, but I thought this would be an easier race,” Hansen said. “He seems to handle the turf pretty well, too. We’ve thought a lot of him all along.”

Diplodocus, by Sky Mesa Last 3 Beyers: 87-92-88

◗ Diplodocus ran in five graded stakes last year and finished fifth in three of those races – the Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby, Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, and Grade 2 Twilight Derby. He has not raced since finishing 10th in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby last December.

“He ran all last season and was in over his head a lot,” trainer Richard Baltas said. “He showed he could be a stakes-caliber horse.”

◗ Baltas considers Friday’s race to be a launch pad for a summer season that could include stakes at Del Mar.

“We gave him a rest, and we can go from here,” he said. “I think he needs more distance.”

◗ Diplodocus needs a quick pace to aid his closing style. He beat maidens with a late rally in January 2016.

“He has no early speed,” Baltas said. “He’s a long-striding horse, and you need to keep him out of trouble, keep him in the clear.”

Brandothebartender, by Tribal Rule Last 3 Beyers: 87-86-87

◗ Brandothebartender is on the also-eligible list but deserves strong consideration if he draws into the field. Trained by Blake Heap, Brandothebartender has been fourth in optional claimers at a mile in his last two starts, closing with interest in both races.