Midwest Thoroughbreds' The Pizza Man had his first work of 2016 Jan. 23 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
The Roger Brueggemann-trained son of English Channel left Barn 20 at approximately 8:45 a.m., shortly after the break, and completed five furlongs in 1:01 3/5—good for 11th of 42 moves at the distance.
The Pizza Man will be aimed to the $200,000 San Marcos Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park Feb. 6. At 1 1/4 miles on the grass, the San Marcos will give The Pizza Man a trip on the same turf course over which the $3 million Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. I) will be contested in November. The trek is unique, with its start on the hillside turf course that crosses the dirt course in the early portion of the race. A victory would push his career earnings over the $2 million mark.
Jockey Francisco Torres was aboard for Saturday's drill. Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, who was aboard for his victory last time out in the $250,000 Hollywood Turf Cup (gr. IIT) at Del Mar Nov. 26, has the return call in the San Marcos.
"All systems go," Torres said after dismounting.
After the San Marcos, The Pizza Man is possible for the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-I) at Meydan. If his connections decide to stay in the United States for his second start of the year, he will be under consideration for the $300,000 Mervin H. Muniz Memorial (gr. IIT) on Mar. 26 at Fair Grounds.
"He's doing well," Brueggemann said. "We're probably going to Santa Anita with him if he comes out okay."
Richard Papiese, principal of Midwest Thoroughbreds, has indicated that The Pizza Man's main objectives for 2016 are a title defense in the Arlington Million (gr. IT) Aug. 13 and the Breeders' Cup Turf.
The Pizza Man
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