Galilean has first start, first stakes win in Barretts Juvenile

CYPRESS, Calif. - The $100,000 Barretts Juvenile at Los Alamitos on Saturday was both a learning experience and a stakes win for the first-time starter Galilean.

There were instances in the race that could have cost Galilean a win.

Galilean ($3.80) bumped with My Mandate at the start, dueled through fast fractions, and held off a sustained threat from Seven Scents in the race for 2-year-olds at 6 1/2 furlongs. Ridden by Drayden Van Dyke, Galilean was timed in 1:15.28 and got an 82 Beyer Speed Figure.

“Going 6 1/2 first-time out against winners, he’ll improve off that,” trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said. “I’ve got a lot to work with. He’s got some size and he carries good weight.”

Van Dyke had Galilean near the front quickly, chasing My Mandate through a quick pace of 21.65 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 44.86 for a half-mile. The two were within a head of each other to early stretch.

Seven Scents (5-2) rallied three wide on the turn to reach contention, and looked dangerous in early stretch, but could not get by Galilean, who won by a neck after leading by 1 1/2 lengths with a furlong remaining.

Van Dyke said Galilean briefly lost his lead in the stretch. “He dug back in and that was really impressive,” he said. “That’s a long stretch for a 2-year-old making his first start.”

Seven Scents held second, finishing a length in front of 6-1 Our Silver Oak, who was followed by Kid Koil, Big Impression, and My Mandate.

The Barretts Juvenile was restricted to horses offered at sales conducted by Barretts. Galilean, a California-bred by Uncle Mo, was purchased by the West Point Thoroughbreds partnership for $600,000 at the Barretts Spring Sale of 2-year-olds in training in April and was the most expensive hip of the sale.

Galilean earned $56,000 for the win.

Galilean will be considered for the $200,000 Golden State Juvenile for statebred colts and geldings at seven furlongs at Santa Anita on Nov. 3, Hollendorfer said.