Callaghan battles Baffert in Best Pal Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. – Last Saturday at Saratoga, Simon Callaghan got the best of Bob Baffert in the Test Stakes, with his 3-year-old filly American Gal defeating Faypien. Their cross-country duel continues this Saturday at Del Mar, this time with 2-year-olds, with the Callaghan-trained Run Away facing Serengeti in the Grade 2, $200,000 Best Pal Stakes, the local prep for the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity on closing day, Sept. 4.

Run Away is the most accomplished 2-year-old colt on this circuit so far, with two wins, including the Santa Anita Juvenile. But he and jockey Flavien Prat must break from the rail for the first time in this 6 1/2-furlong race, with plenty of speed lined up to their outside, including Serengeti.

“That wouldn’t have been our choice, but he has good gate speed, and it looks like he’ll be forwardly placed,” Callaghan said while watching his horses train here Thursday. “Just have to hope for a good break, and the rest will be up to Flavien.”

Serengeti lost his debut but returned 15 days later, added blinkers, switched to jockey Mike Smith, and crushed maidens by 11 lengths while overcoming the rail. He landed post 5 in the field of eight.

“He’s fast. He’s quick,” Baffert said. “There’s a lot of speed in there.”

The list of contenders extends beyond those two. Debut winner Arawalk returns to dirt after trying grass at Royal Ascot, Master Ruler faces tougher company after two wins in Puerto Rico, and Fleetwood, though still a maiden, exits a promising debut run.

The Best Pal goes as race 9 on a 10-race card that begins at 2 p.m. Pacific.

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KEY CONTENDERS

Run Away, by Run Away and Hide
Beyers: 85-65

◗ He owns the top Beyer Speed Figure in the race off his victory last time out in the Santa Anita Juvenile.

◗ His prior wins were at 4 1/2 furlongs and then 5 1/2 furlongs, both at Santa Anita.

◗ As with American Gal, the Test winner, he is owned by Kaleem Shah.

Serengeti, by Algorithms
Beyers: 74-65

◗ He’s put in four works over this surface since arriving from Santa Anita, including a five-furlong drill in 59.60 seconds Aug. 1 that was the best of the morning at the distance.

Arawalk, by Uncle Mo
Beyer: 56

◗ He beat only three rivals in his debut at Belmont Park in May but romped by seven lengths going five furlongs.

◗ He has been training at Keeneland since returning from Royal Ascot.

Master Ruler, by Overdriven
No Beyers

◗ He was purchased privately and sent to trainer John Sadler after two wins in Puerto Rico.

“He’s a nice horse. I’m anxious to get him started,” Sadler said Thursday. “He hasn’t trained super fast, but steady. Obviously, these are tougher horses.”

Fleetwood, by Munnings
Beyer: 68

◗ He chased home the promising Gracida here July 22 while finishing well clear of the third horse and has the benefit of a good race over this deep surface.

◗ He should get a good trip, stalking the speed.