A.P. Warrior fights to victory in San Felipe Stakes

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Arcadia, CA (Sports Network) - A.P. Warrior, ridden by Corey Nakatani, outdueled Point Determined down the stretch to capture the $250,000 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Park. The San Felipe is the last prep race for three- year-olds heading to the Santa Anita Derby.

A.P. Warrior was sent off at 7-1 in the nine horse field after failing in his previous two starts. He was the beaten favorite in the El Camino Real Derby at Bay Meadows in January.

In the San Felipe Stakes, A.P. Warrior came from off the pace to win. He was able to hold off Point Determined down the stretch and post a half-length triumph. Finishing third was the favorite Bob and John, and Racketeer was fourth.

The time for the 1 1/16 miles was 1:42.40.

Saturday's win puts A.P. Warrior on a collision course with leading Kentucky Derby contender Brother Derek. Both colts are expected to meet in the Santa Anita Derby on April 8.

A.P. Warrior is trained by John Shirreffs for owner Stan Fulton. The San Felipe win was worth $150,000 and brings A.P. Warrior's career earnings to more than $280,000. He has won three of seven lifetime starts, with this being the first stakes win. Nakatani was aboard A.P. Warrior for the first time.

A.P. Warrior returned $17.00, $7.40 and $3.60. Point Determined paid $5.20 and $3.00, and Bob and John paid $2.40 for show. Point Determined, and Bob and John are both trained by Bob Baffert. Baffert also had Sky Diving in the San Felipe.