Sharp Samurai tops La Jolla field

DEL MAR, Calif. – The key contenders in the La Jolla Handicap each took a circuitous path to the Grade 3 turf race Sunday at Del Mar.

Sharp Samurai was considered for three other races before his new owners settled on the La Jolla. Placido was slated to run on opening day, but the state veterinarian was dissatisfied with the colt’s morning jog, and Placido scratched from the Oceanside Stakes, to the chagrin of his connections. As for Colonist, he has never raced on turf. No problem.

Sharp Samurai, the favorite, along with Placido and Colonist, will attract much of the wagering in the $150,000 La Jolla, the 1 1/16-mile middle leg of Del Mar’s turf series for 3-year-olds leading to the Grade 2, $300,000 Del Mar Derby on Sept. 3.

Nine entered the La Jolla, including Fashion Business, Pioneer Lad, Offshore, Caribou Club, Double Touch, and Monster Man. But the one to beat is Sharp Samurai, making his first start since a decisive win June 10 in a stakes at Santa Anita.

Mark Glatt trains the 3-for-5 Sharp Samurai, whose owners, Al and Sandee Kirkwood, sold him to Red Baron’s Barn (Jed Cohen) and Rancho Temescal after his last start.

“The Kirkwoods got a nice offer for the horse and decided to free up some money,” Glatt said. The new owners “got a nice horse, and the Kirkwoods were able to make a bit of a score.”

Glatt remains a minority owner of Sharp Samurai, who was invited to the Grade 1 Belmont Derby on July 8, considered for the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Derby on July 15, and could have run July 19 in the Oceanside.

“We decided, ‘Let’s take our time, go in the La Jolla and hopefully the Del Mar Derby,’ ” Glatt said, adding that Sharp Samurai is training “very good.”

The best is still to come for the Simon Callaghan-trained Placido, whose highly rated maiden win last out made him a contender for the Oceanside Stakes. He was scratched by the vet.

“We disagreed with what the state vet believed he saw,” Callaghan said. “He’s a strange horse. When he jogs by hand, he just plays. But when he jogs out on the track, which we get to see and the state vet doesn’t, he jogs like a show horse – exceptional.”

Placido has not missed a beat in training since, and Callaghan believes the distance is ideal. Placido was compromised by a wide trip in his only previous route.

Colonist adds blinkers and moves to grass after a closing fourth in the Los Alamitos Derby. Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said his half-mile turf work July 27 gives him reason to believe the surface switch is fine. “He worked good on the grass,” Hollendorfer said.

KEY CONTENDERS

Sharp Samurai, by First Samurai Last 3 Beyers: 94-86-84

◗ The versatile gelding has tactical speed and can finish.

Placido, by Shackleford Last 3 Beyers: 85-76-74

◗ The least experienced in the field with three starts, he would be the first this century to win the La Jolla in his next start following a maiden win.

Colonist, by Pioneerof the Nile Last 3 Beyers: 96-89-86

◗ His closing style suits the course profile. Seven of the first 10 grass races at this meet at 1 1/16 miles were won by deep closers; three were won by the pacesetter.