ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) — Drill defeated American Act by a nose to win the $150,000 San Vicente Stakes on Sunday at Santa Anita, snapping a five-race skid that had frustrated trainer Bob Baffert.
Ridden by Martin Garcia, Drill ran seven furlongs in 1:21.28 and paid $9.60 and $5 at 7-2 odds.
American Act returned $4, while 1-2 favorite Creative Cause was another length back in third. Let’s Get Crackin was fourth. There was no show wagering after Smoking G and Captain Obvious were scratched.
Drill trailed pacesetter American Act most of the way until taking a small lead with a furlong to go and barely holding off his rival under Garcia’s urging.
Drill is nominated to the Triple Crown series, but Baffert says he doesn’t think the colt wants to run the Kentucky Derby distance of 1 1-4 miles.
