Batiquitos must overcome rail draw

ARCADIA, Calif. – Leading contenders in both Californiabred allowance races Friday at Santa Anita face distinct challenges – post position and distance.

Batiquitos drew the unwanted rail in race 2, a dirt sprint for fillies and mares; Full Access must carry his speed 1 1/8 miles for the first time in race 7, on turf. The upside is Batiquitos is the best horse in her race; Full Access could be lone speed in his race.

Trainer Bill Spawr was not surprised Batiquitos drew the rail for the six-furlong sprint, because she always does. “She got the hat trick,” Spawr said. “She’s drawn the one-hole every time she’s run.”

Batiquitos, owned and bred by David Lindo, is making her third start. She won her debut in a dirt sprint last March, and finished second in her recent turf-sprint comeback after encountering severe trouble. She was blocked into and through much of the stretch.

A rider switch to Martin Pedroza could prove beneficial for Batiquitos, but she is stuck with the post. “Anytime you’re in the one-hole, it’s compromising,” Spawr said. “That’s what could get her beat.”

Batiquitos faces five rivals including blinkers-on Briartic Gal, romping last-out winner Dangerously Close, and frontrunner Betdesilvergold. Jill Madden and Red Stich also were entered.

Although inside posts underperformed in sprints early this meet, a surprising five-year trainer statistic implies the rail is not a major concern for Batiquitos. Since winter 2013, Spawrtrained dirt sprinters are 13 for 38 (34 percent) breaking from the rail.

“That’s because they all have experience running from the rail,” Spawr said, laughing.

Batiquitos can add to Spawr’s dirt-sprint-rail stat by winning race 2 Friday as expected.

The turf allowance, race 7, came up deeper. Eight older colts and geldings go 1 1/8 miles, and a shortage of pace benefits Full Access.

Full Access backed up in his only previous start beyond a mile. He has improved since. Claimed for $25,000 two starts back by trainer Vladimir Cerin, Full Access ran the race of his career last out. He made an early move and won a starter allowance at one mile.

Kent Desormeaux rides Full Access for Cerin, whose first 12 starters produced a meet-leading five wins and four seconds.

If able to establish a lonely lead, Full Access could lead gate to wire. His main rivals are last-out runner-up The Big Train, open-to-Cal-bred dropper Dr. Troutman, and Six Point Rack. The others in the race are Nap Lajoie, Hot Perfection, Lord Admiral, and Plain Wrap.