SA: Circular Quay returns; Notes..

[Kasept]

SMITH MAKES DEBUT ON CIRCULAR QUAY IN SAN CARLOS

Mike Smith rides Circular Quay for the first time Saturday in the Grade II San Carlos Handicap, but the Hall of Fame jockey has seen enough of the colt’s races to know he has talent.

“I haven’t worked him, but I’ve watched him an awful lot,” Smith said of the son of 1995 Kentucky Derby winner Thunder Gulch, who is trained by multiple Eclipse Award winner Todd Pletcher.

Circular Quay has not raced since last July, when he was sixth in the Grade II Virginia Derby at 1 ¼ miles on turf at Colonial Downs. He won the Grade I Hopeful as a 2-year-old and captured the Grade II Louisiana Derby at three. The San Carlos will mark his 4-year-old debut.

“He’s a pretty straightforward horse, and Todd will give me all the insight, if there’s any to give,” said Smith, who rode streaking stakes winner Daytona to victory in the Fair Grounds Handicap last Saturday for trainer Dan Hendricks. “Circular Quay (pronounced “key”) is a classy individual,” Smith continued. “You point him in the right direction and he seems to go. I’m excited about riding him.”

The field for the 70th running of the San Carlos, which will be televised live on HRTV: Soul City Slew, Michael Baze, 113; Men Only, Martin Garcia, 113; Circular Quay, Mike Smith, 117; Greg’s Gold, Victor Espinoza, 119; Surf Cat, Alex Solis, 118; Johnny Eves, Rafael Bejarano, 118; and Cooperation, Tyler Baze, 113.

Surf Cat would be seeking his second victory in the San Carlos. The 6-year-old Sir Cat horse won the race in 2006. Greg’s Gold worked five furlongs at Santa Anita Monday in :59.80 for David Hofmans.

FINISH LINES: Triple Crown hopeful Colonel John, prepping for his 3-year-old debut in the Grade III Sham Stakes on March 1, worked six furlongs at Santa Anita Wednesday in 1:17. Trainer Eoin Harty said the son of Tiznow was on course for the 1 1/8-mile race . . .

Kathy Walsh said Georgie Boy came out of his impressive San Vicente victory in good order and is being considered for the Grade II San Felipe Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on March 15. The trainer said plans would be finalized after talking with owner/breeder George Schwary . . .

Richard Migliore took off his three scheduled mounts today, citing illness . . .

Bob Baffert said Hal and Patti Earnhardt’s undefeated champion

2-year-old filly Indian Blessing was due in California today from Louisiana where she won Saturday’s Grade III Silverbulletday at the Fair Grounds . . .

Agent Tony Matos reports Victor Espinoza will ride Donn Handicap winner Spring at Last for Doug O’Neill in the $6 million Dubai World Cup on March 29 . . .

Trick’s Pic, who will be ridden by Espinoza in next Monday’s Grade III Buena Vista Handicap for older fillies and mares at one mile on turf, worked five furlongs Monday on Hollywood Park’s Cushion Track in :59.80. Trick’s Pic won the Grade III Tuzla Handicap at Santa Anita with Espinoza aboard in her last start on Jan. 19.

Jon Court rides I Can See in the Buena Vista for trainer Steve Knapp, whose Peace Pledge won Sunday’s last race at a $165.20 win payoff to trigger a Pick Six carryover into Monday of $173,821. There was one winning $2 ticket, purchased at Los Alamitos, worth $668,690.80. The payoff was some $2 million shy of the track’s Pick Six record payoff of one winning ticket worth $2,687,611.60, set on Breeders’ Cup day at Oak Tree, Oct. 25, 2003 . . .

Santa Anita will salute its 2008 jockey colony on Presidents’ Day, Monday, Feb. 18, by offering a free waste basket to all paid admissions while supplies last. The handy basket features a group of 29 of the world’s best jockeys in the setting of Santa Anita’s beautiful walking ring. First post time Monday is 12:30 p.m. . .