Best Pal likely next for sharp debut winner Owning

CYPRESS, Calif. – The 2-year-old colt Owning won his debut in a maiden special weight race Sunday in a style that left owners Paul and Zillah Reddam and trainer Simon Callaghan planning for graded stakes at Del Mar next month.

Ridden by Mario Gutierrez, Owning ($8.60) was always near the front and pulled away in the final furlong to win the 5 1/2-furlong race by 2 1/2 lengths over Tariq. Owning was timed in 1:04.20.

“We couldn’t ask for much more,” Callaghan said. “He broke sharp and placed himself nicely and drew off.”

Owning’s next race is likely to be the Grade 2 Best Pal Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs on Aug. 11. The $200,000 Best Pal Stakes is a key prep for the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs on Sept. 3.

“The timing fits perfectly,” Paul Reddam said.

Owning was purchased for $260,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale of 2-year-olds in training in April. Owning is the first winner by the Tapit stallion Flashback, who stands at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in Kentucky.