Roman Centurian shows true colors going two turns in second start

ARCADIA, Calif. – Roman Centurian was comprehensively beaten in a maiden special weight race at 6 1/2 furlongs in his debut at Del Mar in November. The colt’s debut around two turns in a maiden race at 1 1/16 miles on Sunday at Santa Anita in his second start produced the opposite result.

Ridden by Juan Hernandez, Roman Centurian closed from eighth in a field of 10 to win by 3 3/4 lengths at 7-1.

“That was a good win,” trainer Simon Callaghan said. “We sprinted him the first time knowing that he wanted to go long.

“I think we’re just scratching the surface. He’s a horse that will go better as he matures.”

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Owned by Don Alberto Stable and Qatar Racing, Roman Centurian is by Empire Maker and was purchased for $550,000 as a yearling.

Roman Centurian finished fourth behind Life Is Good in a maiden race at 6 1/2 furlongs on Nov. 22 at Del Mar. Life Is Good won Saturday’s Grade 3 Sham Stakes at Santa Anita in his second start.

Callaghan has stakes plans for the fillies Brooke and Lighthouse at Santa Anita in coming weeks.

Brooke, winner of the Group 1 Chilean Oaks in December 2019, is scheduled to have her American debut in the Grade 3 Megahertz Stakes at a mile on turf for fillies and mares on Jan. 18.

Lighthouse is expected to start in Saturday’s Grade 3 Las Cienegas Stakes at six furlongs on turf for fillies and mares. Lighthouse has not raced since a win in the Music City Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs on turf on Sept. 15 at Kentucky Downs.

Sunday, Lighthouse worked a half-mile in 49 seconds, according to the official time, although Callaghan said he timed the workout in 47 seconds.

“It was a good half,” he said. “I got 47. Someone is 10 lengths different. I’m very happy with her. We gave her a little time off after the win at Kentucky Downs.”