Big Macher © Benoit Photo
Big Macher, who has won almost $700,000 since being claimed for $20,000 from his career debut in July of 2013 at Del Mar, will be back to defend his title Sunday in the 31st running of the $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes at seven furlongs for California-bred sprinters.
Big Macher, a gelded son of Beau Genius, will be attempting to embellish an already impressive record when he goes postward in the colors of the Tachycardia Stables of Brendan Bakir of Malibu and San Diegan Tom Mansor. He’s won seven of 18 starts, including his most noteworthy success in the Grade I 2014 Bing Crosby Stakes.
Last fall, he was a game neck winner of the Cary Grant, prevailing over Rousing Sermon in a typically courageous effort. Rafael Bejarano, who rode him a year ago in the Cary Grant, has the mount again from trainer Richard Baltas.
Big Macher is co-highweighted at 124 pounds with Forest Chatter, winner of the California Flag at Santa Anita last month, and Raised a Secret, a stakes-winner at the Fresno Fair a month ago. Mike Smith rides Forest Chatter while Fernando Perez has the call on Raised a Secret
Others attempting to upset Big Macher, the 8-5 morning favorite, will be Avanti Bello, 116, Tyler Baze; Solid Wager, 121 Victor Espinoza; Got Even, 119, Martin Pedroza; Soi Phet, 119, Alonso Quinonez; Bold Fantasy, 119, David C. Lopez; Red Outlaw, 119, Edwin Maldonado; Old Man Lake, 119, Tiago Pereira, and Richard’s Boy, 121, Joe Talamo.
Post time for the first of nine races is 12:30 p.m.