ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2022)–Aggressive early in his U.S. debut going a mile on turf Jan. 2, the Mark Glatt-trained Maglev settled nicely heading into the far turn of Sunday’s $75,000 Baffle Stakes and he rallied for an impressive 3 ¾ length score under Umberto Rispoli while getting 6 ½ furlongs out of Santa Anita’s turf chute in 1:15.74.
Next to last, about four lengths off the lead, Irish-bred Maglev, under confident handling, made short work of his competition around the turn, presented himself four-deep turning for home and easily overhauled front-runner Franklin One Star and Olympic Legend leaving the furlong pole.
“The primary mission was to win the race and to me, it looked like down the backside he was pretty aggressive, but Umberto said ‘No,’ and he was on his back, so I’ll trust what he says,” said Glatt. “He was much the best today. I knew he would have a salacious turn of foot if got back a little (off the pace) and he did.
“But to circle the field and draw away under wraps like that was super impressive. We have bigger and better things ahead of him hopefully and we’ll see if we can get the same results going two turns.”
Second, beaten 1 ¼ lengths as the 2-1 favorite in the one mile turf Eddie Logan Stakes Jan. 2, Maglev was off as the 6-5 favorite in a field of eight sophomores and paid $4.40, $2.80 and $2.40.
Owned by Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal, Maglev, who had one win in five starts as a juvenile while racing in England last year, is now 7-2-3-0 overall and with the winner’s share of $48,840, he increased his earnings to $103,790.
In tight quarters mid-way around the far turn, Don’t Swear Dave steadied sharply, was shuffled back to next to last and despite that, rallied nicely for the place in a better than looked effort. Off at 5-1 with Mario Gutierrez, he finished one length in front of early pacesetter Olympic Legend and paid $4.40 and $3.40.
Off at 77-1 with Jose Valdivia, Jr., Olympic Legend paid $9.40 to show while finishing a nose better than Irish-bred Echosmith.
Fractions on the race were 23.27, 46.66 and 1:09.66.
First post time for a nine-race card on Friday is at 12:30 p.m. and Santa Anita will be open for simulcast wagering beginning at 10 a.m. in the Grandstand Paddock Room on Thursday.
Santa Anita Park Press Release
Photo: Maglev (Benoit Photo)
