Doolledo looking to build on debut win
SAN MATEO, Calif. - Trainer Dennis Patterson was so impressed with Doolledo after he upset the Patterson-trained Eliminator in a $20,000 maiden claiming race April 5 at Golden Gate Fields that he bought him.
"His only race, we ran the favorite, Eliminator," Patterson said. "My horse broke so fast, but this horse, about the third time he hit the ground, was gone."
A 5-year-old, makes his first start for Patterson in Friday's Bay Meadows feature, a $40,000 starter allowance at six furlongs. What he lacks in experience, he seems to make up for with speed. He ran an opening quarter in 21.97 seconds and a half-mile in 44.99 in his debut and went on to a wire-to-wire win in the mud. He earned a 78 Beyer Speed Figure.
"I was impressed by his looks in the paddock," Patterson said, recalling when he saw Doolledo for the first time. "He's a very big horse. Then, I was very impressed with his race. He looked like he was definitely a runner. Being a 5-year-old and making his first start, he must have had some problems along the way."
Patterson hadn't planned to wait two months to start Doolledo, but Doolledo colicked and had to be scratched from a planned start. He has three works since recovering, including a five-furlong bullet May 25 and a six-furlong drill in 1:13.80 on June 1.
"He's worked good, trained good," said Patterson. "My exercise rider, Andreas Gutierrez, has really worked to control him, because he's very strong. At this point, we're hoping for a big race."
Doolledo was never seriously challenged in his first start, so there is the obvious question of how he will handle pace pressure.
There are others who have early foot here. also has speed. He led nearly all the way in his last start May 17 to score a six-length maiden win and earn a 75 Beyer.
Comebacking Mom's Trippin has sat close to fast fractions. He has trained nicely for his first start since being claimed last Aug. 25 at Del Mar.
Doolledo is drawn outside those, however, and enjoys a tactical advantage with the post. Also playing in his favor is the track's propensity to show a speed bias during evening racing.