With legendary Frankie Dettori calling on all his considerable strength and determination, trainer Bob Baffert’s Newgate was able to rally off the turn for home and post a hard-fought, head victory Sunday over vastly improved Argentina-bred Subsanador in the 87th running of the Grade 1, $400,000 Santa Anita Handicap.
A 4-year-old colt by Into Mischief, Newgate was trying 1 1/4 miles for the first time. He got the distance in 2:03.49 on the fast main track and provided Baffert with his sixth win in the Big ’Cap and his third consecutive graded tally on the Sunday card.
“It is such a historical race,” Baffert said, “and just to win it for our team and with Frankie Dettori, it really makes it that much more special.”