Arapahoe: Fast Puff looks formidable in CTBA Lassie Stakes

Fast Puff looms a prohibitive favorite as she looks to validate her monster debut win in Arapahoe’s $35,000 Colorado Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Lassie Stakes on Saturday. The six-furlong event for 2-year-old fillies bred in Colorado drew a field of 12.

Not only is Fast Puff one of just two winners in the field, but the manner of her debut win here June 14 makes her a standout. Trained by part-owner Kenneth Gleason, Fast Puff broke sharply in that 4 1/2-furlong event, went right to the lead, was only a length clear turning for home, but then powered away from her rivals, winning by 8 1/4 lengths as the 9-5 favorite, earning a 45 Beyer Speed Figure.

The only other winner in the field is A J Marie. She showed talent in her June 1 debut as she stalked the pace going 4 1/2 furlongs, took over into the lane, and drew off to win comfortably by 2 3/4 lengths for a 30 Beyer. She will obviously need to improve to match Fast Puff, but with her speed and the rail she could prove tough.

Brendas Dancer, second to Fast Puff, needs to improve to threaten, but that type of drastic form improvement can happen with inexperienced 2-year-olds.