For Cozze Kid, talent trumps modest breeding

Before she ran, you wouldn’t have expected the filly Cozze Kid to be the favorite against colts in a $100,000 stakes in her second start.

She is the first and only starter of a sire who won only one of five career starts – and that victory came on turf. Her dam was unraced. She was a $4,000 yearling purchase at last summer’s Pleasanton sale.

But those who saw her debut understand why Cozze Kid skipped last week’s $50,000 Juan Gonzalez for fillies to run Saturday in the Everett Nevin Stakes at Oak Tree at Pleasanton.

She beat males in Northern California’s first 2-year-old race of the year, pulling away to win by 8 3/4 lengths going 4 1/2 furlongs on the Golden Gate Fields Tapeta surface.

“We knew she was fast, but had no idea how far she’d go,” said trainer Jamey Thomas. “I thought she might be a little short because she’d had only one half-mile work.

“I thought she’d be in front early, but I wondered if they could catch her. Then she opens up by eight in the lane. You see that, and you definitely get excited.”

Of course, winning the first race of the year is one thing. Meeting other winners while stretching out to 5 1/2 furlongs is another.

“She’s a smart filly, and she wants to do it,” said Thomas. “Hopefully, she’s gotten better.”

Just as in the Juan Gonzalez, trainer Doug O’Neill is sending two contenders north for the race, both debut winners. O’Neill won the Juan Gonzalez with Lippy.

Carnivorous raced gamely for O’Neill in his debut, holding off Luck’s Royal Flush by a head in a California-bred maiden race at Santa Anita. Luck’s Royal Flush went on to win his next start and returns in the Juan Gonzalez.

O’Neill’s other runner, Mr Paytience, won a California-bred maiden race by 7 3/4 lengths at Santa Anita. His Beyer Figure of 65 is the second highest in the field to the 70 earned by Cozze Kid.

Key contenders

Cozze Kid, by Shanghai Kid

Beyer: 70

◗ She was likely to make the lead anyway, but drawing the rail forces her hand.

◗ She worked five furlong over the dirt track at Pleasanton on June 23.

Carnivorous, by Square Eddie

Beyer: 52

◗ He and Luck’s Royal Flush were heads apart in this colt’s debut.

◗ He has had five works since that May 19 race.

◗ He has the same owner (Paul Reddam), trainer (O’Neill) and jockey (Irving Orozco) as Juan Gonzalez winner Lippy.

Mr Paytience, by Paynter

Beyer: 65

◗ He was pressured early before pulling away in his debut.

◗ He has worked twice since that June 3 race.

◗ He breaks from post 5 in a field of seven, outside Cozze Kid and Carnivorous.