Sharp Samurai, Fly to Mars get rematch

ARCADIA, Calif. – Sharp Samurai lost any chance for a win in the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile on Aug. 19 when he was interfered with in the final furlong. There was some consolation when Sharp Samurai was promoted from third to second after the disqualification of Fly to Mars.

On Saturday, Sharp Samurai and Fly to Mars meet again in the Grade 2 City of Hope Mile on turf at Santa Anita, a prep race for the Breeders’ Cup Mile on Nov. 3 at Churchill Downs. They figure to dominate the betting in the $200,000 race that drew a field of nine, including four other stakes winners – Double Touch, Flamboyant, Le Ken, and White Flag.

From trainer Mark Glatt’s perspective, Sharp Samurai has unfinished business this year. The gelding won four consecutive stakes in 2017, including two Grade 2 races, but is winless in two stakes this year. A win Saturday would solve that situation and lead to discussions about whether a start in the BC Mile is feasible.

“We need to see a strong performance,” Glatt said. “There are a lot of factors to consider.”

KEY CONTENDERS

Sharp Samurai, by First Samurai Last 3 Beyers: 100-101-99

◗ Sharp Samurai was second by a neck in the Grade 2 Eddie Read Stakes as the 3-1 favorite July 22. Sharp Samurai was near the front throughout, led in the stretch, and finished a neck behind Catapult, a fastclosing longshot. Catapult is targeting the BC Mile.

“We did all the dirty work in the race, and he caught us by surprise,” Glatt said.

◗ In the Del Mar Mile, Sharp Samurai closed from seventh to reach contention in the stretch before the interference occurred. Glatt argues that Sharp Samurai could have contended with eventual winner Catapult.

“With a clear run, I think it was going to be a dogfight to the wire,” he said.

◗ Sharp Samurai will be ridden by Gary Stevens, who was aboard for the four stakes wins last year and the stakes at Del Mar this year.

Fly to Mars, by Ministers Wild Cat Last 3 Beyers: 103-101-94

◗ Fly to Mars set a course record of 1:39.50 for 1 1/16 miles on turf in winning the California Dreamin’ Stakes for California-breds on July 28. In the Del Mar Mile, he led by 1 1/2 lengths with a furlong remaining before the drifting incident that led to the disqualification.

◗ Trained by Peter Miller, Fly to Mars is expected to be near the front in the City of Hope Mile.

Double Touch, by Dutch Art Last 3 Beyers: 96-89-92

◗ Double Touch won the restricted Wickerr Stakes at a mile on turf July 22 at Del Mar and was held out of the Del Mar Mile because of “general body soreness,” trainer Dan Blacker said.

“He just needed a little time after his Del Mar win to reset and get to a point he could be his best,” Blacker said. “He’s ready for this.

“However he runs, he’ll come on from this race. I would have liked to have one more week and one more work leading to this.”