Belmont Winner Sarava to Return Thursday

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New Phoenix Stable and Paul and Susan Roy's Sarava, the winner of the 2002 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), will make his return to racing on Thursday in a $65,000 optional claiming event set at one mile over Santa Anita's turf course. David Flores has been named to ride and the pair will break from post-position eight in the 10-runner field of 4-year-olds and up.

Sarava, a 5-year-old son of Wild Again, has only raced once since his classic score, finishing sixth in an allowance event at Del Mar last July before suffering a life-threatening case of colic and subsequent surgery to untwist his colon. Completely recovered, the dark bay horse has been in full training since late last year.

According to trainer Bob Baffert, Sarava is still gearing up for an appearance in the $1 million Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) on March 7.

"He is in there just to get a tightener instead of working him again," Baffert said. "I am trying to get two races out of him before the Big 'Cap."

Sarava has banked $696,852 with a record of 10-3-3-0. He also won the 2002 Sir Barton Stakes while under the care of former trainer Ken McPeek.

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