Santa Anita Updates: Intrepido, Secured Freedom Put in First Return Works

[Wandering Eyes]

Several notable sophomores were out on track Saturday morning at Santa Anita Park, including Grade I winner Intrepido (Maximus Mischief) and fellow GIII Robert B. Lewis alumnus Secured Freedom (Practical Joke)–both of whom put in their first moves since the aforementioned race.

The former finished closest to GISP Plutarch (Into Mischief) in the Lewis, that one claimed top prize by three-quarters of a length, and took a spin over the main track for trainer Jeff Mullins in an easy four-panel move. Clocked in :48.80 with jockey Hector Berrios in the irons, it was the 44th fastest of 79 at the distance.

“He didn't do much. We didn't want much,” Mullins said afterwards, adding that he had not decided whether Intrepido would return Mar. 7 in the GII San Felipe Stakes or if they'd opt to wait until April for the GI Santa Anita Derby.

Secured Freedom, third in the Lewis, also worked four furlongs on the main track for trainer Tim Yakteen. He was clocked in :48 flat (17/79). With the San Felipe also a possibility for him, his conditioner reports that they'd have a clear picture of their path in the coming days.

“We are considering the San Felipe. He is on schedule,” Yakteen said. “We will make a final decision next week.”

The Bob Baffert barn was also active as Brant (Gun Runner), Boyd (Violence), Litmus Test (Nyquist), and Buetane (Tiz the Law) were all out for the Hall of Famer Saturday morning.

Fellow 'TDN Rising Stars, presented by Hagyard' Brant and Boyd worked six furlongs from the gate with the former timed in 1:11.80 (1/6) and the latter 1:12 flat (2/6). Litmus Test posted a four-furlong move in :47.80 (7/79) in advance of his anticipated seasonal bow in the San Felipe. 'Rising Star' Buetane returned to the tab for the first time since his third-place effort in the GIII Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park, also working a half-mile in :47.80.

The fillies from the Baffert barn went through their paces as well Saturday, with Splendora (Audible), Explora (Blame), and Usha (Tiz the Law) all making appearances. The Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint heroine was returning to the tab for the first time since winning the GII D. Wayne Lukas Stakes–she cleared five furlongs in 1:01.20 (25/43). Explora drilled five furlongs as well in :59 flat, the bullet of 43 works, and Usha recorded 1:00.20 (8/43) for the same distance.

GSW Cash Call (McKinzie), unraced since finishing fifth in the GI Test Stakes last year, also worked six panels while Group 1 winner Ooly (Arg) (Dabster) began her work from the gate and both were clocked in 1:12.60 (3/6) for Baffert.

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