Midland Money on a roll. (Ernie Belmonte/Past The Wire)
Santa Anita Press Box
ARCADIA, Calif.—For the second day in a row Friday at Santa Anita, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert unveiled another promising 2-year-old. This time it was Midland Money, a colt by freshman sire Shancelot, who rolled to an easy victory going five furlongs on dirt.
A day earlier, juvenile filly Nooni romped to a 9 ½-length victory in her debut at Santa Anita. The $1.8 million auction purchase won in a final time of 58.21. On Friday, Midland Money won by a widening six lengths while under wraps in a time of 58.15.
“He was as advertised,” Baffert said from the Winner’s Circle. “He has been working really well. Him and Nooni worked together. It’s nice to have a couple of promising 2-year-olds. Like (legendary trainer) Charlie Whittingham used to say, ‘No one’s ever committed suicide with a good 2-year-old in the barn.’”
Midland Money (1-5) broke with the field from the outside post under Juan Hernandez, but soon after took command down the backstretch. He went the opening quarter mile in 22.37 seconds. On the turn, Midland Money faced a brief challenge from 10-1 third choice Smash It. He quickly spurted clear of that rival, reached the eighth pole in 45.86 seconds and cruised under the wire.
“We are just blessed that we are able to buy these horses,” Baffert said. “It’s what we all live for, the next superstar.”
Midland Money paid $2.40, $2.10 and $2.10. Of the $84,854 in the show pool, $71,054 was wagered on the winner. Smash It, ridden by Umberto Rispoli for trainer Todd Fincher, was second by 3 ¼ lengths over Frisco, the longest shot on the board at 26-1.
Smash It paid $3.80 and $2.80. Frisco, ridden by Edgar Payeras for trainer Adan Farias, returned $5.20.
Midland Money is owned by CSLR Racing Partners LLC. He was purchased for $650,000 earlier this year at the OBS March Sale of 2-year-olds in training, the same auction Nooni was purchased. Midland Money is out the Flatter mare Magnolias in Bloom.
“He is a really chill kind of horse, cool,” Baffert said. “He’s been calm, professional. Just a very cool horse. He finished nicely. We are ready for Del Mar.”
Two races earlier, Baffert was also in the Winner’s Circle following a sharp 3 ½-length allowance win by Jackstown following a 22 ½ month layoff. Also ridden by Hernandez, Jacktown set a six-furlong split of 1:08.91 and crossed the wire in 1:15.18 for 6 ½ furlongs. The 4-year-old Speightstown colt was making just his second start and first since a debut win at Del Mar on July 31, 2022.
Jackstown, a $160,000 auction buy as a yearling, is owned by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables et al.
