April 17, 2025
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Fantastic Four
There’s a ‘Final Four’ feel with Saturday’s $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap (G2) at, you guessed it, Oaklawn Park.
The quartet responsible for providing that energy consists of 2-1 opening line favorite First Mission, Skippylongstocking (5-2), Banishing (7-2), and Alexander Helios (4-1).
While all are deserving of their respective statuses, the one with the best chance to exceed expectations is Alexander Helios.
Fresh off his first career stakes tally (Grade 3 Razorback) and second win in a row, the 5-year-old Luis Saez mount is riding high ahead of the 1 1/8-mile dirt contest.
Alexander Helios no doubt faces a tall task but is more than capable of putting forth a valiant effort.
Seen it All
While Grand Sonata has experienced his fair share of highs and lows over 27 career starts, the well-travelled 6-year-old has reeled in more than $2.1 million for his connections.
His next chance to add to that already impressive figure comes this Saturday in the $400,000 Elkhorn (G2T) at Keeneland.
Opening as the 4-1 second choice behind 8-5 favorite Limited Liability, Grand Sonata holds a distinct advantage over the clubhouse leader: he has won at 1 ½ miles before, whereas the latter is 0-for-4 at the distance.
The Todd Pletcher trainee notched that victory in last September’s Kentucky Turf Cup (G2T) at 15-1.
Whether that will be enough to hold off an in-rhythm Limited Liability, is the ultimate question.
Double Down
In Saturday’s $200,000 Santa Maria (G2), Richi (CHI) eyes her second graded title since joining the California circuit last June.
It didn’t take long for the veteran racer to find her footing after coming over from her native Chile, finding the winner’s circle in her second start, the Grade 3 Las Flores.
The confident 1 ½-length triumph remains Richi’s lone win across four North American starts. However, she has landed in the money each time (1-2-1).
Opening as the early 6-5 choice for the 1 1/6-mile Santa Maria, the 5-year-old mare has the inside track on her first score since Jan. 4.
No Más Tercios
Coming off three straight third-place finishes, Uno Mas Bourbon (7-2) will take another shot at securing his first victory since September in Saturday’s $350,000 Ben Ali (G3) at Keeneland.
Following a slow start to his career (winless through first four starts), Uno Mas Bourbon began to round into form midway through his sophomore season.
The 4-year-old colt carried that momentum into the end of his second campaign, securing his first stakes win (Super Derby) before managing the first two of his three straight thirds.
With only one start under his belt this season, the twice-graded placed Uno Mas Bourbon has his sights on a breakthrough effort in the 94th running of the Ben Ali.
Raring to Go
The highly anticipated return of three-time graded stakes winner Endlessly finally has a confirmed date.
On Sunday afternoon, the 4-year-old colt will line up in post four for the $100,000 American (G3T) at Santa Anita – his first start since the Belmont Derby Invitational (G1T) on Jul. 6, 2024.
A fifth in said Belmont and a ninth in last year’s edition of the Kentucky Derby (G1) should not overshadow what was an otherwise magnificent six-race stretch between 2023 and 2024 that saw Endlessly cross the finish line first five times.
With notable tallies in the Del Mar Juvenile Turf (G3T), Zuma Beach (G3T), and Jeff Ruby (G3) to his name, Endlessly’s track record speaks for itself.
