El Gato Malo Should be Tougher at Santa Anita

Thanks to his recent defeat, trainer Craig Dollase thinks grade III winner El Gato Malo will be even tougher in the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) on April 5. (AP Images)

El Gato Malo, owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, lost by three-quarters of a length to Colonel John in the 1 1/8-mile Sham Stakes (gr. III) on March 1 while encountering traffic problems on the final turn.

“He was sitting behind horses and had a little dirt in his face,” Craig Dollase said. “I think he did learn a lot from it. He was able to rate behind horses and finish, so we’re taking steps in the right direction, I think.”

El Gato Malo, won the San Rafael January,12 and was undefeated prior to the Sham Stakes, worked seven furlongs at Hollywood Park on March 22 in 1:24 3/5.

El Gato Malo is expected to face a field that includes Colonel John and San Felipe (gr. II) winner Georgie Boy, in the Santa Anita Derby. Get all your Kentucky Derby futures in the Bodog Racebook today.