The Factor to face Smiling Tiger in Triple Bend Handicap at Betfair Hollywood Park
Bob Baffert’s 4-year-old speedy colt, The Factor, is ready to return to action after a gap of nearly three months. The spectators at Betfair Hollywood Park will see him competing with Smiling Tiger and seven other dangerous runners in the Grade 1 Triple
Bend this weekend.
The Factor has been out of action since his appearance at Meydan three months ago, when he finished sixth behind Krypton Factor in the Grade 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. After a decent break, the maverick colt is making his comeback and seems to be the biggest
threat to Smiling Tiger, who is master of the Hollywood track.
Prior to his trouncing in Dubai, The Factor registered a couple of back-to-back triumphs at Santa Anita. His first success was in the Grade 1 Malibu, in which the champion runner did not face any difficulty in banging the star-studded opposition. Rothko
and Associate tried every possible thing to surpass him, but The Factor was uncatchable in the hands of M. Garcia.
After bagging the Grade 1 victory, Bob’s charge continued his good form over seven furlongs and secured the first rank in the Grade 2 San Carlos at the same venue. The
George Bolton & Fog City Stable-owned has a wonderful track over seven furlongs and his return to this distance gives his supporters a clear hope.
On the other hand, Smiling Tiger is determined to defend his title. Despite the fact victories are not coming to his way these days, it is hard to ignore the 5-year-old’s chances.
Owned by Alan Klein, Philip Lebherz and Mersad Metanovic RM, the Jeff Bonde-trained has a magnificent record at Hollywood, winning three of his four races, including last year’s Triple Bend. However, luck has not twisted
in his favour over the last 12 months, as he is yet to record a victory since his Triple Bend success last season.
In both of his appearances this year, the horse failed to make an impression. After suffering an embarrassing loss in the Grade 2 Churchill Downs Stakes, he could not get his act together and as a result, finished third in the Grade 2 True North earlier
this month.
Others in the $250,000 Handicap are: Tres Borrachos, Centralinteligence, Mobilized, Don Tito, Camp Victory, Comma to the Top and Italian Rules.
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