Breakout Beyers: Charlatan looks like the real thing
Each week in this space, the top Beyer performances by maiden winners will be featured and analyzed. Click here for a complete archive.
CHARLATAN
Feb. 16, 4th race, Santa Anita, MdSpWt53k
Beyer: 105
6f, dirt fast, 1:08.85
ch. c. 3, Speightstown-Authenticity, by Quiet American
Owner: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Breeder: Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings
The time and corresponding off-the-charts debut Beyer were a big part of it, but what really gets the heart thumping regarding North America’s most exciting first-out winner in quite some time was the way Charlatan went about his business. Drayden Van Dyke did move his hands some and delivered one pop of the crop in upper stretch, but Charlatan was going EASY the final furlong and galloped out a mile in front. Second foal to race from a multiple graded-stakes-winning dam. Can’t wait to see him at two turns.
PNEUMATIC
Feb. 15, 5th race, Oaklawn Park, MdSpWt85k
Beyer: 84
6f, dirt fast, 1:09.83
b. c. 3, Uncle Mo—Teardrop, by Tapit
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Breeder: Winchell Thoroughbreds
First foal to race from a sister to Grade 1 winner Pyro, graded-stakes winner War Echo, and stakes winner Longview Drive. Strange little stumble after about two strides landed him mid-pack, his bid commencing about the three-furlong pole. Had to grind it out for a narrow win and was swallowed up on the gallop-out, though no one should be making too much of that. Might stretch out, might not.
ATTACHMENT RATE
Feb. 15, 3rd race, Gulfstream Park, MdSpWt43k
Beyer: 89
1m, dirt sloppy, 1:35.03
ch. c. 3, Hard Spun—Aristra, by Afleet Alex
Owner: Jim Bakke and Gerald Isbister
Trainer: Dale Romans
Breeder: Mr. and Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin
Evidently loved the mud (this race was run in a monsoon) but the wet track likely wasn’t entirely responsible for 6 ½-length third-start maiden win since he’d shown major improvement second out. Came through comfortably enough on inside after fast pacesetter folded around turn, and all that he did in the homestretch, he did without changing leads. Slightly goofy action but looks like a candidate to stay on farther than this.
PERCEIVED
Feb. 16, 1st race, Aqueduct, MdSpWt63k
Beyer: 83
1m, dirt fast, 1:39.84
b. g. 4, Blame—Street Trick, by Street Sense
Owner: Paul Pompa
Trainer: Chad Brown
Breeder: Hunter Valley Farm, Keith Lazarz, Dermot Ryan
Not much to see here, probably. Fourth-time starter ground out a neck victory facing just three foes over yet another laboring Aqueduct racing surface. You’d think turf, maybe, based on pedigree, but two grass starts to begin career weren’t all that.
LONELY PRIVATE
Feb. 16, 8th race, Fair Grounds, MdSpWt40k
Beyer: 81
5 1/2f, dirt sloppy, 1:04.51
b. c. 3 Soldat—Lastroseofsummer, by Haffhd
Owner: D C Racing and Cardinal Hill Racing
Trainer: Norm Casse
Breeder: Woodford Thoroughbreds
Colt who ran for a $150K maiden-claiming tag last October has benefited in two starts at age 3 (following three at age 2) from a cutback to shorter sprints and the addition of blinkers. Not a bad speed figure but limited upside here. He could eventually enjoy a switch back to grass.