Two “horses for courses” assume the favorite role in turf races opening day at Santa Anita Park Dec. 26.
King of Gosford and Stay Hot renew a budding rivalry in a field of nine for the $200,000 Mathis Mile Stakes (G2T) for 3-year-olds at one mile on the Santa Anita turf. Johannes defends a spotless record on the Santa Anita turf in the $200,000 San Gabriel Stakes (G2T).
King of Gosford, a Zoustar colt trained by Phil D’Amato, enters the Mathis Mile as the 6-5 morning-line favorite off a fast-closing second in the Hollywood Derby (G1T) Nov. 30 at Del Mar. In that, he came up three-quarters of a length short of the winner, Formidable Man , with Stay Hot fourth, beaten just one length.
The two also faced off in the La Jolla Handicap Aug. 4 with Stay Hot the victor, 1 1/2 lengths ahead of King of Gosford.
Overall, King of Gosford has five wins from 14 starts and is 3-for-4 on the Santa Anita turf.
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