Published:
1/12/2008
Air Commander proved on Jan. 12
that it's never wise to underestimate a Baffert-trained runner in a graded
stakes race in California.
By Baffert-trained champion Point
Given, Air Commander is a 4-year-old colt owned by Robert Clay and Faisal Salman
that was sent out for his seasonal debut at Santa Anita Park. He was sent off at
52-1 in the $200,000 San Fernando (G2) despite the fact that in his only
previous stakes engagement - the 2007 San Felipe (G2) when on the Derby trail -
he finished second behind Cobalt Blue.
Aaron Gryder guided the colt to a
nose victory in 1:40:16 for the 1 1/16 miles and Air Commander lit up the tote
board to the tune of $106.80. The winner's share of $120,000 raised Air
Commander's career total to $248,680, and the bay colt earned a career high
Beyer Speed Figure of 95.