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The Gr.2 San Pasqual Stakes took place at Santa Anita last Saturday, and was originally intended to serve as a preparation race for the Gr.1 Santa Anita Handicap. However, the results of the race now carry greater significance for the Dubai World Cup program.
Newgrange, who won two stakes races at Santa Anita this winter, is set to compete in the US$12 million Dubai World Cup. Meanwhile, Mixto, who finished third in the San Pasqual Stakes, will also be considered for a race on the same program, according to trainer Doug O'Neill.
The plans for Newgate, who finished second with trainer Bob Baffert as the 8-5 favorite, were not clear as of Sunday. However, Baffert's Mr Fisk, who finished fifth as the 5-2 third choice, is a possible contender for the US$400,000 Big Cap at 1 1/4 miles, said Baffert.
Newgrange led throughout the US$201,000 San Pasqual at 1 1/8 miles, finishing a length ahead of Newgate.
It's worth noting that the Dubai World Cup is run at 1 1/4 miles. In his 13-race career, Newgrange has only run at that distance once, finishing seventh out of nine in the 2023 Big Cap. After that loss, he did not race again until early October of last year.
The Dubai World Cup is set to feature its usual international field. As of Sunday, Derma Sotogake, the Japanese-bred colt who came in second to White Abarrio in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita in November, was favored by British bookmakers.
Newgrange races for the partnership of David Bernsen, Rockingham Ranch, and the Little Red Feather Racing partnership. Trainer D'Amato has never had a starter in a race in Dubai.
“I’d say the owners would like to take a great swing over there,” D’Amato said.
From D’Amato’s perspective, Newgrange deserves another chance at the distance.
“It might help him,” D’Amato said. “He’s got that long stride and tactical speed. The longer the better. You can get in a better comfort zone.”
Making his 4YO debut, Mr Fisk competed in the San Pasqual after winning his last two starts in 2023. In September, he had a dead-heat victory with stablemate Tahoe Sunrise in the Shared Belief Stakes for 3YOs at a mile at Del Mar. He followed it up with a win in the Gr.3 Native Diver Stakes at 1 1/8 miles at the same venue on 26th November. Newgrange, who won the Gr.2 San Pasqual Stakes, finished third in the Native Diver.
In the San Pasqual, Mr. Fisk finished fifth or sixth for the duration of the race, ultimately losing by a margin of 11 1/2 lengths.
“He didn’t run his A game,” Baffert said. “He’ll definitely run in the Big Cap.”
Baffert said he has no immediate race plans for Newgate.
“I want to see how he comes of it,” Baffert said. “A lot could change. I want to wait a couple of weeks.”
In his first start since winning a maiden race at Del Mar in November, Mixto finished second to Newgrange in the Grade 2 San Antonio Stakes, a 1 1/16 mile race on 26th December.
Looking ahead, there are two possible options for Mixto on March 30: the Dubai World Cup or the Group Two Godolphin Mile, a prestigious US$1 million race.
“Dubai is a consideration, if invited,” O’Neill said.