Calder: Far West makes 3-year-old debut

Far West, who posted a 100 Beyer Speed Figure winning his maiden in only his second career start at 2, makes his much-anticipated 3-year-old debut when he faces five rivals in the $26,000 allowance feature at Calder.

Far West, a son of Way West, finished a tiring third when launching his career at Monmouth Park in September 2005 before shipping to Calder to graduate by 7 1/4 lengths on Dec. 2. His final time of 58.40 seconds for five furlongs earned him the triple-digit Beyer.

Far West, who is trained by Kirk Ziadie for owner Richard Siemens, returned four weeks later in his juvenile finale only to get caught up in a suicidal early speed battle. He finished a tiring seventh as the heavy favorite in the entry-level allowance.

Far West shows only three recorded works in preparation for his return, including a bullet three-eighths in 35 seconds on June 23.

If Far West is to win his comeback, he may again have to endure early pressure in a field that includes the speedy Jabbok and Mr. Maestre. Running 6 1/2 furlongs on May 28, Jabbok finished third as the 3-5 favorite behind the sensational performance of runaway winner Folk Festival, who posted a 103 Beyer Figure.

Mr. Maestre is coming off far and away the best performance of his career, a wire-to-wire nine-length maiden win on June 10 that earned him a 96 Beyer Figure. That number was 23 points higher than his previous best, and could result in a bounce.

If the speed tires late, The Yips or Mr. Pike appear best suited to pick up the pieces.

* Perhaps overshadowing the main event will be Monday's third race, a mile and 70-yard starter allowance that matches Choctaw Charlie and El Segundo Joe, both of whom bring five-race winning streaks into the contest.