Sabertooth smashes world record

AUBURN, Wash. - Sabertooth smashed the world record for 6 1/2 furlongs with a dazzling display of speed in Sunday's $40,000 at Emerald Downs.

Going directly to the front under rider Nate Chaves, Sabertooth cut fractions of 21.80, 43.20, and 1:06.40 en route to a 3 3/4 length victory over Best On Tap in 1:13 flat.

The previous world record for 6 1/2 furlongs of 1:13.24 was set by Lucky Forever at Hollywood Park on May 20, 1995. Best On Tap held Emerald's previous record of 1:13.60, which he set on May 31 of last year.

Sabertooth, a 7-year-old son of Petersburg and Exit's Baby, by Best Exit, is trained by Jim Penney for Bob and Bruce Sparling. He won the Grade 3 Longacres Mile in 2002, but he was making just his second start back from a 19-month layoff on Sunday. He ran second in the six furlong Seattle Handicap in his comeback.

Sabertooth paid $3.80 to win as the favorite in a field of eight and earned $22,000, bringing his bankroll to $273,075 from six wins in 21 starts.