Stable Notes

BAFFERT HAS SAN FELIPE PRIORITIES IN ORDER; NEW BAY TO RUN

Odds and logic say Pioneerof the Nile will win Saturday’s San Felipe Stakes. At 2-5 on the morning line, the 3-year-old son of 2003 Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker would appear to outclass his handful of rivals in the Grade II race at 1 1/16 miles, but aside from victory, Bob Baffert has other priorities. The 56-year-old trainer, a three-time winner of the Kentucky Derby who is eligible for the Hall of Fame this year, wants a safe trip.

GOMEZ FAVORED TO NEAR SANTA ANITA STAKES RECORD SATURDAY

Life is sweet for Garrett Gomez, and not just because he rides a filly by that name in Saturday’s Santa Margarita Handicap. The Eclipse Award winner the last two years as the nation’s outstanding jockey, Gomez also rides prohibitive favorite Pioneerof the Nile Saturday in the San Felipe Stakes.

PIONEEROF THE NILE HEAVY SAN FELIPE CHOICE; GOMEZ NEARS RECORD

Leading Triple Crown contender Pioneerof the Nile drew post position No. 2 in a field of seven for Saturday’s Grade II San Felipe Stakes, his final major prep for the Grade I, $750,000 Santa Anita Derby on April 4. Pioneerof the Nile figures to be an odds-on favorite in the 1 1/16-mile test.

Trainer Bob Baffert pronounced “all systems are go” after the son of Empire Maker worked five furlongs last Sunday in a bullet :58.80 under regular rider Garrett Gomez.

‘ALL SYSTEMS GO’ FOR PIONEEROF THE NILE IN SAN FELIPE STAKES

Leading Triple Crown contender Pioneerof the Nile worked five furlongs on Pro-Ride Sunday morning in a bullet :58.80 under regular rider Garrett Gomez for next Saturday’s Grade II San Felipe Stakes at 1 1/16 miles.

FOR GOMEZ, EIGHT IS ENOUGH IN WIDE OPEN SANTA ANITA HANDICAP

With 14 entries and a 9-2 morning line favorite, Saturday’s $1 million Santa Anita Handicap presents handicappers with a plethora of perplexing propositions. Garrett Gomez, who rides 9-2 choice Colonel John in the Grade I race at 1 ¼ miles, recognizes the challenge, but was not overwhelmed with strategic options as post time drew within 24 hours.

EINSTEIN HEADS 14 IN SATURDAY’S $1 MILLION SANTA ANITA HANDICAP

Despite the fact that Einstein has never raced on a synthetic track, his participation in Saturday’s $1 million Santa Anita Handicap was a no-brainer.

“He’s doing well. He’s really settled in nicely,” said Helen Pitts, who trains the Brazilian-bred son of 1985 Kentucky Derby winner Spend a Buck. “He’s handled the track fine, and seems to be going good. We’ve had great weather (before Wednesday’s rain), and he’s adapted very well.”