Multiple grade I winner Borrego, who missed a recent workout while attempting to make the March 4 Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) without benefit of a prep race for trainer Beau Greely, has not been withdrawn from consideration for the race."I missed a work because he coughed a few times," Greely said. "We took a blood (test), and it was a little off. It's a long year. Right now we've not ruled the Big 'Cap out by any means, and we're nominated to Dubai ($6 million World Cup on March 25). "We've got a lot of races to look at, but right now, we're still looking at the Big 'Cap," Greely said. "He doesn't need a lot of work. At this point, we haven't made any definite decisions."
Borrego, a 5-year-old son of El Prado, has not raced since finishing 10th of 13 at 5-2 in the Oct. 29 Breeders' Cup Classic - Powered by Dodge (gr. I). He won both the Pacific Classic (gr. I) at Del Mar and the Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I) at Belmont Park prior to the BC Classic.Giacomo, High Limit, Lava Man, Spellbinder, Texcess, Top This And That, Wilko, and With Distinction are the other leading candidates for the 2006 Santa Anita Handicap.