Subsanador faces his return in the San Carlos Stakes at Santa Anita Park

After a year and a half, the champion returns to the ring this Sunday over 1,400 meters; Mike Smith will once again be in his irons

Subsanador (right), when he said goodbye winning the California Crown / BENOIT PHOTO

ARCADIA, California (Special for Turf Diario).— The most anticipated return for the Argentine fans finally has a date and place. After an absence of nearly a year and a half, the champion Subsanador will return to the track this Sunday at Santa Anita Park, headlining a high-flying field in the San Carlos Stakes (G3-1,400 m, dirt), one of the central events of the day.

Under the training of the legendary Richard Mandella, the son of Fortify has not competed since that unforgettable September 2024, when he reached glory in the California Crown (G1) over 1,800 meters. Now, defending the silks of Wathnan Racing, the chestnut will seek to pick up the thread of his successful campaign in the North, once again counting on the guidance of veteran Mike Smith, the same man who piloted him to the wire in his last top-level conquest.

However, the commitment will not be a simple return task, as highly dangerous names cross his path. Among them stands out Cornucopian, a rising pupil of Bob Baffert who recently dazzled in an allowance over 1,300 meters after a long layoff. The offspring of Into Mischief, belonging to the powerful partnership of SF Racing, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stables, will carry Juan Hernandez in the saddle after demonstrating a remarkable ability to react in his last outing.

The roster also includes the consistent Stronghold, winner of the 2024 Santa Anita Derby (G1). The trainee of Phil D’Amato, a son of Ghostzapper representing the Wallers, reappears after seven months of inactivity following his runner-up finish in the Pat O’Brien (G2) at Del Mar. Antonio Fresu will be in charge of directing his movements in this demanding comeback.

The prestige of the San Carlos Stakes is completed by figures of the caliber of Bartholdy (Mendelssohn) and Judge Miller (Curlin), as well as Getaway Car (Curlin), another of Bob Baffert's credits dropping back from the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) distance to sprinting, and Listenupshance (Shancelot), recent runner-up in the Palos Verdes (G3).

Everything is set for Santa Anita to witness the return of a horse that was once a benchmark and now, at 7 years old, attempts to prove that his class remains intact. It will be the first step toward returning to the forefront, with health as the primary goal.