Front-running debut winner Rock Your World stretches out in Pasadena

ARCADIA, Calif. – Short on seasoning and long on raw talent, debut sprint winner Rock Your World will have a target on his back when he stretches to a mile and meets winners Saturday in the $100,000 Pasadena Stakes at Santa Anita.

Rock Your World, a front-runner, and route stakes winner Cathkin Peak, a closer, will vie for favoritism in the turf mile for 3-year-olds. While one or the other is chalk, there is no debate regarding the complexion of the race. Rock Your World is speed. Can he run long?

“I think he’ll be better going long, if you look at his family and watch him train,” trainer John Sadler said. “He’s got a big, long stride. I’ve always seen him as a two-turn horse.”

Rock Your World is not the only front-runner, but he is the best. He won a turf sprint first out by nearly two lengths, under a hold. As for route-proven Cathkin Peak, he will aim for his third U.S. victory at one mile. A gelding imported from Ireland, he won a maiden race at Del Mar and the Eddie Logan Stakes at Santa Anita.

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Six entered the Pasadena, which marks an unofficial end of the winter season for local 3-year-olds on turf. The next unrestricted turf stakes for 3-year-olds is two months away – the $100,000 Singletary Stakes on April 25.

In addition to Rock Your World and Cathkin Peak, the Pasadena field includes pace-presser Red Flag, fourth at odds-on in the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity; stakes-placed front-runners Mac Daddy Too and Commander Khai; and longshot Harlan Estate.

Rock Your World, bred by trainer Ron McAnally and his wife, Deborah, sold as a yearling for $650,000 and runs for Hronis Racing and Michael Talla. Sired by Candy Ride and produced by Charm the Maker, Rock Your World was favored first out Jan. 1.

“He trained well, and we had high hopes,” Sadler said. “It went every well.” Rock Your World pressed the pace and won “ridden out.” Umberto Rispoli picks up the mount from Joel Rosario, who rides Saturday at Oaklawn Park. Rock Your World is drawn outside his pace rivals, which provides an opportunity for a pressing trip in the clear.

To win, Rock Your World must hold off Cathkin Peak, purchased privately after a fourth-place debut last year in Europe. He arrived in California in September with the idea he would improve on firm ground.

“He came to hand very quickly,” trainer Phil D’Amato said. “I wasn’t planning on running him until the end of December.”

Cathkin Peak won his U.S. debut in late November, the Eddie Logan in late December, and returns Saturday as a fresh horse with two months between starts. Flavien Prat rides Cathkin Peak.