Inside ‘Move’ a Winning One in San Felipe

[Wandering Eyes]

Trainer Tim Yakteen had six of the 11 entrants in Saturday's GII San Felipe S.–five of which were transferred from the Bob Baffert barn–but the horse who had been with him from the start, PRACTICAL MOVE (c, 3, Practical Joke–Ack Naughty, by Afleet Alex), emerged victorious in the GI Kentucky Derby prep. With new stablemate and morning-line choice National Treasure (Quality Road) forced to scratch with a foot issue, Practical Move was backed at 4-1, having not been seen since annexing the GII Los Alamitos Futurity decisively in December. He worked his way into a perfect ground-saving spot a few off seven-figure Hejazi (Bernardini), and inched ominously closer heading for home, only to find himself with no real running room. Hejazi came off the fence into the stretch as favorite Geaux Rocket Ride (Candy Ride {Arg}) was pumped on outside, and Practical Move now had all the real estate he needed to stretch his legs. He took a few up-and-down strides while sorting out his leads, but leveled off powerfully to report home three lengths clear in 1:42.01. Richard Mandella-trained Geaux Rocket Ride completed the exacta, with John Shireffs pupil Skinner (Curlin) rounding out the triple. The winner was second behind future MGISW Baffert monster Cave Rock (Arrogate) on debut at Del Mar Aug. 13, and was third to the aforementioned National Treasure back at that venue a few weeks later. He was promoted from second to first after being interfered with by re-opposing Fort Bragg (Tapit) when stretched to a mile here Oct. 10, and cut back a furlong to be third in the GIII Bob Hope S. Nov. 20 behind two more Baffert trainees before his breakout performance at Los Al. Sales history: $90,000 RNA ylg '21 KEESEP; $230,000 2yo '22 OBSAPR. O-Amestoy, Leslie A., Amestoy, Jr., Pierre Jean and Beasley, Roger K.. B-Chad Brown & Head of Plains Partners (KY). T-Tim Yakteen.

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