Into Oblivion enters Barretts Debutante off strong debut
CYPRESS, Calif. – Into Oblivion was not required to win first out at Del Mar in order to earn a spot in the $100,000 Barretts Debutante on Saturday at Los Alamitos.
Before the maiden race, trainer Jim Cassidy cautioned jockey Mike Smith that the first-time starter might need a start. “I don’t know how tight I have her, but I think she’ll run well,” Cassidy told Smith.
Into Oblivion outran expectations. She settled wide at the back, rallied to the front in deep stretch, raced greenly, and pulled away to win by 2 1/2 lengths. Smith teased Cassidy afterward. “It’s a good thing you didn’t have her fit, otherwise she would have won by 10,” Smith said.
On Saturday at Los Alamitos, Into Oblivion is expected to be favored in the $100,000 Barretts Debutante for 2-year-old fillies who were offered for sale at a Barretts auction. Nine entered the 6 1/2-furlong race.
Deron Pearson purchased Into Oblivion for $200,000 at the Barretts March sale. Sired by Into Mischief, she breezed in 10.20 seconds and sent the right signals to Pearson and Cassidy.
“I liked her make, her balance, and athleticism,” Cassidy said. “She’s really good-minded. Nothing seems to bother her.”
Martin Garcia will replace Smith, who has a commitment Saturday at Arlington.
Others in the field have a fighting chance. Those include Sharla Rae, adding blinkers and dropping from the Grade 2 Sorrento; the front-running maiden Slew’s Charm; and first-time starter Dyna Star.
Barretts Debutante (Race 8)
KEY CONTENDERS
Into Oblivion (Last Beyer: 75)
◗ Cassidy-trained maidens typically race their way into shape, so when a Cassidy trainee wins first out, one must take notice. Cassidy is 2 for 59 over the past five years with special-weight first-time starters.
◗ Since her winning debut, Cassidy said Into Oblivion “has been pretty aggressive.” She worked five furlongs Sept. 4 at Del Mar in 1:01; her 75 Beyer towers over the field.
Sharla Rae (Last 2 Beyers: 59-51)
◗ Doug O’Neill trains Sharla Rae, who likes the track. “Having won her debut at Los Alamitos gives us a lot of confidence heading back over there,” O’Neill said.
◗ Sharla Rae rallied from off the pace in her first two starts. O’Neill hopes the addition of blinkers enables her to produce more speed. “I think it will allow her to stay more focused and keep her closer without having to be asked,” O’Neill said. Sharla Rae wore blinkers in her last two works.
◗ Elvis Trujillo takes over on Sharla Rae, whose second start was a fourth-place finish in the Grade 2 Sorrento won by subsequent Grade 1 winner Sunset Glow. “It’s definitely class relief,” O’Neill said of the Barretts Debutante.
Slew’s Charm (Last 3 Beyers: 42-61-48)
◗ A return to familiar footing gives Slew’s Charm a longshot chance to steal the Barretts Debutante. She finished third last out at Del Mar, while her career-best effort was a third-place finish in the Cinderella Stakes on July 13 at Los Alamitos.
◗ Mike Harrington trains Slew’s Charm, who is 0 for 4.