Dr. Dorr rolls to Californian S. (G2) win

Dr. Dorr turned in a career-best performance for his trainer Bob Baffert in Saturday’s Californian S. (G2) at Santa Anita, cruising to a 7 1/4-length win and earning a 108 Beyer Speed Figure.

The win was a family affair; Baffert bred the 5-year-old in partnership with Madeline Auerbach and Jack Klugman, and the son of Lookin At Lucky is owned by his wife Jill, who named Dr. Dorr for their good friend.

“Dr. [Lawrence] Dorr, for who he is named, is a really amazing person,” said Jill after the win. “He and his wife are great, not only in his career but they started a non-profit called Operation Walk. They go all over the world and they’ve performed countless surgeries with hip and knee replacements for people that otherwise would never be able to get them. I was just so sorry he couldn’t be here today, so I hope he’s watching!” 

Dr. Dorr was making his first career start beyond a mile, but was more than up to the task in the 1 1/8-mile Californian. After dueling with Soi Phet through the first five furlongs, Dr. Dorr began to draw clear entering the final turn, and was much the best as he drew off comfortably in the stretch, stopping the clock in 1:49.84 on a fast track.

Dr. Dorr is undefeated in three starts this year and has now banked $288,320. His trainer said his next start could be the May 26 Gold Cup at Santa Anita (G1).