The 2018 road to the California road to the Triple Crown starts with the Sham Stakes at Santa Anita. Recent winners of the Sham Stakes include Breeder’s Cup Classic runner-up Collected and two-time Breeder’s Cup Dirt Mile winner Goldencents. Travers winner Colonel John won the Sham in 2008.
Contenders:
Mourinho adds blinkers back “On” for this race. Lost the Bob Hope to Greyvitos as the 6/5 favorite. The form of the Bob Hope was upgraded when Greyvitos won the Springboard Mile at Remington Park. Fast son of Super Saver beat the quality horses in his debut in Peace and Instilled Regard. Is the speed of the speed and recent works have him fit as he stretches out.
Shivermetimbers shares a common opponent with Mourinho as he defeated Peace on the stretch out at Old Delmar in the most recent start. Sire Shanghai Bobby finished his career six for eight and close to 1.9 million dollars in career earnings. The mile distance should be a good test of his class and speed.
McKinzie was a surprise entrant in this race. With only two career starts he should be able to improve in this spot and gets a fast pace to run into while removing blinkers. Mike Smith stays aboard for the third straight race and mare Runway Model provides a classy influence finishing with four wins in fifteen career starts. Top races include a placing in the Grade 1 Ashland and winning the G2 Golden Rod by 3 lengths.
Fair Odds Line:
McKinzie 7/5
Shivermetimbers 3/1
Mourinho 4/1
The Selection:
Mourinho looks like the speed and recent works look promising with his speed and may also have sprint speed to clear the field going into the second turn.