Oak Tree Invitational Has Sandpit Meeting Kaldounevees Again

Last year’s winner Sandpit and Kaldounevees resume their rivalry in today’s $300,000 Oak Tree Invitational at Santa Anita.

They last raced against each other in the Arlington Million on Aug. 27, where Sandpit finished second and Kaldounevees was fourth, less than a length behind Sandpit.

Sandpit, who is being prepared for November’s $3.5-million Japan Cup in Tokyo, will be ridden by Corey Nakatani in the 27th running of the 1 1/4-mile race for 3-year-olds and up on the turf.

Under 124 pounds and ridden by Nakatani, Sandpit won last year’s Oak Tree as the 7-5 favorite by 1 1/4 lengths over Grand Flotilla when it was raced at 1 1/2 miles.

The race was shortened this year in order to make for a more natural progression to the Breeders’ Cup Turf on Oct. 28 at Belmont Park. Sandpit is not eligible for the Breeders’ Cup.

Others entered in today’s race are Patio De Naranjos, who will be ridden by Eddie Delahoussaye; Royal Chariot, Laffit Pincay; Cafe Milano, Corey Black; Earl Of Barking, Goncalino Almeida; Kaldounevees, Kent Desormeaux; River Rhythm, Alex Solis, Northern Spur, Chris McCarron; and Shemaran, Gary Stevens.