Mr Gruff, a 5-year-old son of Mr. Greeley, made two appearances during the winter of his 4-year-old campaign, but was sidelined following a close second last March on the Santa Anita main track. The son of the talented grass mare Ruff resumed his career with a front-running graduation over this course and distance Jan. 3, then missed by a nose in an allowance over the same trip Jan. 31. He came back to score at 2-5 in another hillside affair Mar. 11, and was deemed ready for a big class jump.

Sent off as the 5-2 third choice in the $100,000 San Simeon H. Saturday, April 18th at Santa Anita, the dark bay gelding had a slight advantage while getting the half-mile split in :43.61. He opened up a bit after crossing the main track and held sway late to affirm his horse-for-course status, stopping the clock in 1:11.88 for 6 1/2 furlongs down the hill over a firm course. 

"The reason I jumped him from an a-other-than into this race was to see if he was good enough to handle stakes horses, and obviously, he is," confirmed trainer Ron Ellis. "I think being a hill specialist can be a big advantage for that Breeders' Cup race [Turf Sprint]. I'll probably keep him lightly raced, pointing for that race [at Oak Tree Nov. 7]."

Mr Gruff earned a lifetime-high 95 Beyer Speed Figure in the win, which was his third from six starts. He moved his career earnings to $137,880 for owner Gary Broad.