Arman, Havnameltdown contenders in Best Pal Stakes
Arman and Havnameltdown have had similar schedules leading to their first stakes appearances in Sunday’s Grade 3 Best Pal Stakes for 2-year-olds at Del Mar.
Both were six-figure purchases at sales in the spring, won their first start impressively, and have worked well in advance of the $200,000 Best Pal Stakes at six furlongs, California’s first graded stakes of the year for the division.
Judging from their maiden race wins, they have different running styles, which could play a role in the outcome of the Best Pal and whether they can progress to the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity on Sept. 11.
Arman, trained by Simon Callaghan for Kaleem Shah, closed from fourth in a field of 10 to win a maiden special weight race at five furlongs by 2 1/2 lengths as the 8-5 favorite June 23 at Churchill Downs. Purchased for $600,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co.’s March sale of 2-year-olds in training, Arman will be ridden by Martin Garcia, who was aboard for the maiden race.
The patient style Arman displayed at Churchill Downs could be an asset if a quick pace develops in the Best Pal.
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“Hopefully, he moves forward, that’s all we can hope for,” Shah said. “We’ll see what kind of trip Martin can work out for him. It depends on the break.
“He’s been training well, just morning workouts. It remains what he does in competition. It’s a step by step with these young horses.”
Havnameltdown, trained by Bob Baffert for the partnership of Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman, led throughout his debut in a maiden special weight race at five furlongs July 24 at Del Mar, winning by 2 1/4 lengths. Purchased for $200,000 at OBS in April, Havnameltdown will start from post 10 in a field of 11 and is expected to be part of the pace.
“He should be able to handle six furlongs,” Baffert said. “He’s been working really well. He drew a nice post.”
Havnameltdown could face pressure from the maiden Kangaroo Court, who set the pace in a five-furlong race for California-bred maidens on July 23, led by three lengths in the stretch, and was beaten a half-length. Man Child, a maiden race winner in his debut July 3 at Los Alamitos for trainer Ryan Hanson, also is likely to show speed.
The Best Pal is the second stakes appearance for Pop d’Oro, who finished fourth after a slow start and wide trip in the Fasig-Tipton Futurity at five furlongs on June 18 at Santa Anita in his second start and first for trainer Hector Palma.
The field includes the first-time starter Fleet Feet, a $325,000 purchase at OBS in April who races for Peter Johnson. Trainer George Papaprodromou said Friday that Fleet Feet is not a definite runner.
“We entered to see how tough the race is,” he said. “I’m not sure I will run him yet. As for now, we’re in.
“The last couple of works, he’s shown he can run a little bit. We might take a shot.”