The Daily Racing Form reports that 4-year-old Jedi Mind Trick was euthanized after breaking down in the 1st at Santa Anita Friday afternoon. In his preceding two races – May 17, May 9 – Jedi finished last of 10 and 12th of 13. Perhaps that means something, perhaps not. But to my mind, his death comes as no surprise. Jockey, Rafael Bejarano; trainer, Anthony Saavedra; owner, Stewart Pike.
Also from Santa Anita: The California Horse Racing Board reports that 6-year-old Hello Frankie is dead after breaking down in the 4th on May 25. (Equibase: “appeared to take a bad step…pulled up, vanned off.”) Here again, based on his most recent history, we should not be shocked: April 10, last of 9; March 14, 7th of 10; January 19, last of 10. Jockey, Gonzalo Nicolas; trainer Daniel Azcarate; owner, Greg Hopper.