Expensive buy Vittorio debuts Saturday

Vittorio caught trainer Simon Callaghan’s attention last month with a one-furlong workout in 9.4 seconds prior to the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co.’s spring sale of 2-year-olds in training.

The fast breeze led owner Kaleem Shah to pay $750,000 for the colt, one of the most expensive prospects at the four-day sale.

Callaghan’s enthusiasm has not waned in advance of Vittorio’s debut in a maiden special weight race at five furlongs Saturday at Del Mar.

“He’s a really nice colt,” Callaghan said Thursday. “He’s done everything really easily and is showing us some good talent. We’re hopeful.”

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Vittorio, by Ghostzapper, will be ridden by Mike Smith and could set the pace in a field of 10. Vittorio worked a half-mile from the gate in 48.20 on July 25.

“He’s got a lot of natural speed and is a horse who will get better when we go three-quarters and seven-eighths,” Callaghan said.

The race has nine first-time starters and Deputy Gary, who was fifth in his debut July 4 at Los Alamitos and will be a longshot.

Freedom Fighter, a colt by Violence, and Epidemic, a colt by Orb, have had quick workouts.

Freedom Fighter, trained by Bob Baffert, worked a half-mile in 47 seconds on July 25, the fastest of 102 works at the distance. Epidemic, trained by Ryan Hanson, worked five furlongs from the gate in 59.80 on July 15, the fastest at that distance for the morning.