Heartland likely for Del Mar Futurity of maiden score

After a troubled start, the well-regarded 2-year-old Heartland seemed hopelessly beaten in a maiden race at 5 1/2 furlongs at Del Mar on Saturday.

Then came the stretch run. Racing on the rail in a field of six, Heartland closed with a flashy rally under jockey Juan Hernandez to win by two lengths in what is likely to be a prep for the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs Sept. 10.

“He dug in,” trainer Bob Baffert said on Sunday. “He got a lot of experience from that. We’re happy with him.”

Heartland was helped by chasing a fast pace of 21.23 seconds for the opening quarter-mile. Owned by CHC Inc., Siena Farm, and WinStar Farm, Heartland, by Justify, earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 90. He ran 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:03.20.

On Sunday, the first-time starter Chatalas won a maiden race for 2-year-old fillies by a half-length racing near the front throughout under Hernandez. Chatalas, by Gun Runner, is owned by Dan Agnew and Rancho Temescal Thoroughbred Partners and earned a Beyer of 79.

With the win, she becomes a candidate for the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante at seven furlongs on Sept. 9. Chatalas ran 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:04.09.

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