Baffert keeps rolling with 2-year-old maiden winners

DEL MAR, Calif. – Bob Baffert has sent out eight horses to wins in 2-year-old maiden races this meet, and he added two more last weekend with debut victories by the colt Tale of the Union and the filly Fighting Mad, both of whom might not be seen again until Santa Anita begins its fall meeting at the end of September.

“I’m not going to get in a hurry,” Baffert said.

Tale of the Union, a colt by Union Rags who cost owner Michael Lund Petersen $925,000 at auction earlier this year, got a Beyer Speed Figure of 91 for his impressive debut. He is a New York-bred, and Baffert thought of taking him to Saratoga last week before deciding to remain at Del Mar.

“I wanted to show him off,” Baffert said. “He’s fast.”

Fighting Mad, a filly by New Year’s Day who races for her breeders, Gary and Mary West, got a Beyer Figure of 81.

“We knew she was really quick,” Baffert said. “She was pretty impressive. She’s bred to go two turns. But she has speed.”

Two of Baffert’s top 2-year-olds will be in action at Del Mar on closing weekend, with the filly Mother Mother in the Debutante on Saturday and the colt Roadster in the Futurity on closing-day Monday.

◗ Jockeys Assael Espinoza ($300) and Brayan Pena ($100) both were fined by Del Mar’s stewards for excessive use of the whip violations on Saturday.