Overshadowed by stablemate American Pharoah in his quest for Triple Crown glory this year, Gimme Da Lute will be seeking to earn a share of the spotlight Saturday as the favorite versus six three-year-old rivals in the 41st running of the $100,000 El Cajon Stakes at one mile on the main track.
Gimme Da Lute, trained by Bob Baffert, figures to be a solid betting choice on the strength of his outstanding record – eight starts, five wins with one second and two thirds, including four stakes triumphs. Most recently, the son of Midnight Lute made a show of his opposition in the Real Good Stakes, winning by more than a dozen lengths. Martin Garcia again has the call.
Heading the opposition is Iron Fist, the $1.55 million yearling who was fourth to Madefromlucky in the West Virginia Derby Aug. 1. Mike Smith has the mount.
Others in the El Cajon field are Fame and Power, another Baffert-trained sophomore; Desert Dynamo, Verraco, Thanksgiving Day and Rocko’s Wheel.