The Pamplemousse in Sharp 'Anita Drill

(from Santa Anita)

The Pamplemousse, prepping for the April 4 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) and a showdown with Pioneerof the Nile, worked five furlongs on Pro-Ride March 18 in :59 4/5 under regular rider Alex Solis.

“He went very nice, nice and easy,” trainer Julio Canani said of the gray/roan son of Kafwain  . “He was three wide and just galloping. I’m very happy. He was just breezing. I’m very pleased.”

The Pamplemousse won the Sham Stakes (gr. III) at the Santa Anita Derby distance of 1 1/8 miles by six lengths Feb. 28 for his third consecutive win. He also captured the one-mile San Rafael Stakes (gr. III) by two lengths Jan. 17.

A second Santa Anita Derby candidate, Mr. Hot Stuff, third in the Sham Stakes, worked five furlongs March 18 for Eoin Harty in :59 2/5.

El Camino Real Derby (gr. III) winner Chocolate Candy, also pointing to the Santa Anita Derby, is scheduled to work at Golden Gate Fields March 19, after which he will ship to Santa Anita, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said by phone.