Undefeated Triple Crown contender El Gato Malo worked six furlongs at Hollywood Park Feb. 15 in a bullet 1:11 4/5, while across town at Santa Anita, Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) winner Crown of Thorns turned in a leisurely drill. The pair is headed for a showdown in the 1 1/8-mile Sham Stakes (gr. III) at Santa Anita on March 1.
“He went very well, super,” said trainer Craig Dollase of El Gato Malo. The gelded son of El Corredor won the San Rafael Stakes (gr. III) at one mile by 6 1/4 lengths on Jan. 12.
“He’ll have one more work before the Sham," Dollase said. "We’re right on target.”
At Santa Anita Feb. 15, Crown of Thorns worked six furlongs for the Sham in 1:17 4/5. He ran in company with Bandeira Band, who was given the same clocking.
“Next week, he’ll get a stiff one,” trainer Richard Mandella said. “This was just an easy six; everything went fine.”
Added regular rider Victor Espinoza, who was aboard for the drill: “He felt good. He just wanted to go easy. Richard didn’t want to do much today, just let him gallop around and stretch his legs down the lane. It was nothing serious today. He went nice and slow, the way he wanted.”
The Sham is expected to mark the 3-year-old debut of Real Quiet Stakes winner Colonel John.
Dixie Chatter, also trained by Mandella, had his first breeze Feb. 15 since winning last year’s Norfolk Stakes (gr. II). He went three furlongs at Santa Anita in a bullet :35 seconds.
“He went nice and easy, but we don’t have anything in mind,” Mandella said.
Undefeated Triple Crown contender El Gato Malo worked six furlongs at Hollywood Park Feb. 15.
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