High-priced 2-year-old Wrecking Crew set for debut

DEL MAR, Calif. – Wrecking Crew was one of the most sought-after juveniles at the Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream sale in Florida in March after zooming a furlong in 9.40 seconds in a pre-sale workout. Gary Hartunian’s Rockingham Ranch bought him for $875,000.

Saturday at Del Mar, Wrecking Crew will have his debut in a maiden special weight race at six furlongs. Owned by Rockingham Ranch and David Bernsen, Wrecking Crew will be ridden by leading rider Flavien Prat and is the subject of high hopes from trainer Peter Miller.

“He’s very professional and he has lots of speed,” Miller said. “He’s done everything right so far.”

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Wrecking Crew has had several quick workouts in recent weeks, including five furlongs from the gate in 59.60 seconds here July 18. By Sky Kingdom, Wrecking Crew is part of a field of six that includes two other first-time starters – Fredericktown, a colt by Constitution trained by Keith Desormeaux, and Tizamagician, a Tiznow colt trained by Richard Mandella.

Miller also starts Billy Batts, who is winless in three starts, all in maiden races on turf in Kentucky, including a two-length loss in a one-mile race July 6 at Ellis Park.

“I think I have two live chances,” he said.