Bob Baffert confident of The Factor’s success in Triple Bend Handicap
Trainer Bob Baffert believes that The Factor’s sixth position in the Golden Shaheen Sprint is a matter of past and a similar outcome is unlikely in the Grade 1 Triple Bend Handicap, taking place at Betfair Hollywood Park on Saturday, June 30th.
The Factor was last seen at Meydan, where he failed to make an impression. The $2 million mega event saw him finishing sixth behind Krypton Factor. The 4-year-old is coming to Hollywood with plenty of expectations and Baffert has said that the Dubai debacle
is best forgotten. He claimed that The Factor is in great shape at the moment and holds an obvious chance in the $250,000 meeting.
“The Dubai race is a throw-out. He was dull and flat. He’s doing well. There is nothing but speed in there,” Baffert said.
The Factor is well prepared for the battle, as he recently made some excellent workouts. In his latest workout over five furlongs, the dashing colt stopped the clock in 1:00.20.
Owned by George Bolton - Fog City Stable, the colt has a tremendous track record over seven furlongs. Prior to his defeat in Dubai, Baffert’s charge sealed two back-to-back triumphs at Santa Anita. Despite the fact that he looked rusty last time out, his
return to this distance has given the connections a clear hope.
Bred in Kentucky by H. and W. Thoroughbreds, The Factor started his 2012 campaign with an extraordinary effort. The Grade 2 San Carlos saw him crushing the greats like Sway Away and Amazombie to ensure the top rank.
Smiling Tiger seems to the biggest threat to The Factor in the Triple Bend Handicap. However, the defending champion has been unlucky over the past few months and certainly needs a special performance to upset Baffert’s trainee.
On the other hand, Ronald W. Ellis has high hopes of Centralinteligence this weekend. Owned by Gary Finder - Amerman Racing Stables LLC - Bongo Racing Stable, the 4-year-old was runner-up in the Grade 3 Los Angeles Handicap last month. The handler believes
that his charge is in awesome position to register his first stakes victory.
“He’s a more seasoned horse now,” he said.
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