City of Light may lead the way

ARCADIA, Calif. – In recent months, race plans have changed for City of Light, the winner of the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita on Dec. 26.

City of Light was considered for the Razorback Handicap at Oaklawn Park on Feb. 19, a plan abandoned because of wet track conditions. The alternative race is Saturday’s Grade 1 Triple Bend Stakes at seven furlongs at Santa Anita.

The conditions of the $400,000 Triple Bend will be familiar to City of Light, who races for Suzanne and William Warren Jr., and trainer Michael McCarthy. The Malibu Stakes was also run at seven furlongs.

The change in race plans has not affected City of Light, whom McCarthy described on Thursday as being in “fantastic” condition.

“He’s been on his ‘A’ game every day,” McCarthy said.

City of Light’s main rival is Edwards Going Left, who was second in the Malibu Stakes and returned to win the California Cup Sprint for statebreds Jan. 27.

The race drew a field of six, but may have only five starters. Giant Expectations is entered in the Triple Bend Stakes and the Santa Anita Handicap on the same program. Trainer Peter Eurton said Thursday that he was undecided on which race to choose for Giant Expectations, who won the Grade 2 San Antonio Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 26.

KEY CONTENDERS

City of Light, by Quality Road Last 3 Beyers: 102-85-95

◗ City of Light, who will be ridden by Drayden Van Dyke, will be near the front, McCarthy said. In the Malibu, City of Light led throughout and won by two lengths as a 7-1 chance. City of Light broke from the rail in the Malibu Stakes and is drawn in post 5 in the Triple Bend.

“He’s drawn nicely,” McCarthy said. “It’s a very competitive race. He’ll lay close. That’s natural for him.”

Edwards Going Left, by Midnight Lute Last 3 Beyers: 102-98-93

◗ Edwards Going Left ran arguably the best race of his career in the six-furlong Cal Cup Sprint. Ridden by Tyler Baze, Edwards Going Left took command of the race from the rail and pulled clear through the stretch to win by six lengths.

◗ In the Triple Bend, Edwards Going Left has again drawn the inside.

“It’s my least favorite choice,” trainer John Sadler said of the draw. “He’s shown he can win from down there. I don’t think he needs to be in one particular place on the track.”

◗ Edwards Going Left was claimed for $50,000 in February 2017 and has since won seven races for Pete and Kosta Hronis.

“He continues to thrive,” Sadler said. “He’s really a nice horse.”

Captain Scotty, by Quality Road Beyers: 99-85

◗ Captain Scotty will have his stakes debut and third start in the Triple Bend. Trained by Peter Miller, Captain Scotty won a maiden race at Laurel in December before he was sold privately to Gary Barber and Wachtel Stable.

◗ In his California debut, Captain Scotty led throughout an optional claimer at six furlongs on Jan. 26, pulling clear to win by 5 1/2 lengths. A 4-yearold colt, Captain Scotty figures to be near the front in the Triple Bend.