Drill back in winning groove for Baffert
Report: USA, Sunday
Santa Anita: San Vicente Stakes (Grade 2) 7f, dirt, 3yo
DEL MAR Futurity winner Drill (Bob Baffert/Martin Garcia) returned to form when touching off American Act in a desperate finish to the San Vicente.
Leading Kentucky Derby hope Creative Cause could finish only third as 1-2 favourite for the four-runner event but is likely to improve when sent around two turns as he was finishing well.
Drill, a 38-10 chance, had questions to answer after a series of dull efforts - including a couple behind Creative Cause since his Del Mar win in September.
Baffert is dubious about his stamina for the Triple Crown, however. "I wouldn't run out and buy a future book ticket on him," said the trainer, who has other more likely types.
"He'd have to prove something to me going long. He's one-turn right now. In time he might be able to do it because he's learned to relax."
A son of Lawyer Ron, Drill settled in second behind American Act, who set solid early fractions.
Drill closed up on the far turn before just getting his head a furlong out but he could not draw away from a dogged rival who fought back and nearly got up again on the line.
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