Kielbasa looks like solid road warrior entering El Joven

Kielbasa is a well-traveled 2-year-old with a fun name. He won his debut at Arlington Park in August, placed in a stakes last month at Louisiana Downs, and on Tuesday landed at Retama Park near San Antonio to start as the probable favorite in Saturday night’s $75,000 El Joven.

Through the shipping, the Kentucky-based Kielbasa has remained in good flesh, trainer Lon Wiggins said. It’s to be expected, one might guess, from a horse named for Polish sausage.

“He’s a real good-feeling horse, a real good doer, eats up good,” Wiggins said. “He’s held his weight good.”

Kielbasa is part of a 10-horse field for the El Joven, which will be run at a mile on turf. The race will share a card with the $75,000 La Senorita for 2-year-old fillies, also at a mile on grass. They are Retama’s signature races and will have their 22nd runnings Saturday.

El Joven, Race 8

KEY CONTENDERS

Kielbasa, by City Zip

Last 2 Beyers: 63-63

◗ He is well-versed at the one-mile turf trip, having won his debut Aug. 6 at Arlington. From there, Kielbasa advanced to the $75,000 Sunday Silence at Louisiana Downs, and after breaking from post 10, he finished third to Royal By Nature.

“We expected a little more speed in the race,” said Wiggins. “The way it turned out, there wasn’t any speed when they ran it. It was a sprint to the wire, and he couldn’t outfoot the winner and the other horse. He did finish real fast time-wise.”

◗ Wiggins noted that Royal By Nature came back to run a good fourth in the Grade 3, $250,000 Bourbon last week at Keeneland.

◗ Kielbasa will break from post 5 under Richard Eramia.

I’m a Rock, by Gemologist

Last 3 Beyers: 69-59-35

◗ He will be moving back to two turns and turf, the conditions of his maiden win, following a runner-up finish in a first-level allowance sprint on Retama’s main track Oct. 1.

La Senorita, Race 6

KEY CONTENDERS

Senora Acero, by The Factor

Last 3 Beyers: 58-54-24

◗ She could go favored off a runner-up finish in the $75,000 Happy Ticket at a mile on turf Sept. 10 at Louisiana Downs. The race was her first start against winners. Senora Acero entered off a maiden special weight win at a mile on turf July 9 at Ellis.

◗ Israel Ocampo, who was at 995 career wins going into Thursday, has the mount for trainer Bret Calhoun.

Big Game Baby, by Gold Tribute

Last 3 Beyers: 55-46-23

◗ She also exits the Happy Ticket, having run third in the race following a 10 1/2-length maiden special weight win at a mile at Evangeline Downs.