In allowance, Longden gets chance to make his own name
Longden is known primarily as the workmate for Justify prior to the Kentucky Derby. There is more to Longden, a colt with talent and upside. His climb continues in race 7 on Friday at Santa Anita, a first-level allowance route for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles.
After surgery last summer to remove an undescended testicle that caused discomfort, Longden improved each subsequent start. His most recent was his best yet, a maiden victory in his sixth attempt.
“He got left, he sat there, took dirt, and behaved himself,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “He’s maturing, Bernardini [progeny] . . . get better with age.”
Longden rallied from behind to win by 2 1/4 lengths with a creditable 87 Beyer Speed Figure, highest last-start figure in the field.
If the allowance race unfolds as expected, Longden will be positioned second. If and when the leader tires, Longden would get first run. The likely pacesetter is Grade 1-placed Take the One O One, who has a chance to steal it. Closers include Grade 3-placed Ayacara, Dark Vader, and Peace. Others entered are Pepe Tono and Shivermetimbers.
