ARCADIA, Calif. (March 14, 2020)–In an absolutely virtuoso performance, Bob Baffert’s Charlatan, in his second career start, daylighted his competition by 10 ¼ lengths in Saturday’s sixth race at Santa Anita, a first condition allowance for 3-year-olds at one mile. Ridden by Drayden Van Dyke, the chestnut colt by Speightstown led every step of the way and got the distance in 1:36.24.
“Right now, we’re just glad they didn’t cancel (today’s races), cause we were going to go to Sunland Park (New Mexico),” said Baffert. “Drayden did a great job. I thought he broke just a little slow, but he took the lead easily…He’s quiet in his demeanor and he was out there on cruise control.”
When asked if he thought the colt could rate if needed, Baffert responded, “He can do it any way he wants…He was pretty fresh because we didn’t get to train yesterday.”
Baffert repeatedly alluded to the uncertainty wrought by world events and the probability of big races being postponed nationally.
“We don’t know if we’ll run here in the Santa Anita Derby (April 4), because nobody’s really sure when anything is going to happen. Churchill (Downs) is saying they’re not going to run the Derby without the people there, so I’m hearing maybe June or in September…Whenever they cancel the Masters (in April at Augusta National), that’s like the Derby…I’ve never seen anything like this, it’s kinda scary. Hopefully they can get everything under control.”
Owned by SF Racing, LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, LLC, Stonestreet Stables, LLC, Frederick Hertrich, III, John D. Fielding and Golconda Stables, Charlatan picked up $34,200 for the win, bringing his earnings to $67,200.
A smashing 5 ¾ length first-out maiden winner going 6 furlongs on Feb. 16, Charlatan, who is out of the Quiet American mare Authenticity, was the prohibitive 1-5 favorite versus four rivals and paid $2.60, $2.10 and $2.10.
Fractions, all set by the winner, were 23.14, 46.86, 1:11.04 and 1:23.34.
Via Santa Anita Press Release
