Trainer Phil D'Amato has versatile multiple graded stakes winner Midnight Storm set to run in the Grade II San Pasqual Stakes on Jan. 1 at Santa Anita, which may indicate a possible meeting with Breeders' Cup Classic winner and California Chrome conqueror Arrogate.
Midnight Storm, winner of the Grade I Shoemaker Mile on turf at Santa Anita last June 4, captured the Native Diver Stakes on dirt at Del Mar Nov. 27 in typical front-running fashion, winning off by nearly eight lengths.
“His race at Del Mar was pretty impressive and he's always trained really good on the dirt here at Santa Anita,” D'Amato said. “He broke his maiden on the dirt here and he came out of the Native Diver in great shape.”
As to the possibility of facing Arrogate, D'Amato said, “I think we've got nothing to lose. If we beat Arrogate, hey, that's a major feather in our cap. If you lose, you lost to Arrogate, so to me it's a good opportunity.
“My horse is doing really well and the San Pasqual is where we're going to go.”
Midnight Storm, winner of the Grade I Shoemaker Mile on turf at Santa Anita last June 4, captured the Native Diver Stakes on dirt at Del Mar Nov. 27 in typical front-running fashion, winning off by nearly eight lengths.
“His race at Del Mar was pretty impressive and he's always trained really good on the dirt here at Santa Anita,” D'Amato said. “He broke his maiden on the dirt here and he came out of the Native Diver in great shape.”
As to the possibility of facing Arrogate, D'Amato said, “I think we've got nothing to lose. If we beat Arrogate, hey, that's a major feather in our cap. If you lose, you lost to Arrogate, so to me it's a good opportunity.
“My horse is doing really well and the San Pasqual is where we're going to go.”
