Baffert strikes at 52-1 in Grade 2 San Fernando

Saturday | January 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.  
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