Santa Anita: Rosengold leads throughout in Baffle Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. - Rosengold has become a brave horse at Santa Anita this winter when allowed to set his own pace.

After winning a maiden race over 6 1/2 furlongs on a wet-fast track on Jan. 26 in his second start, Rosengold won his stakes debut in the $79,500 Baffle Stakes for 3-year-olds on the hillside turf course on Saturday.

Ridden by Martin Garcia, Rosengold ($11) set a modest pace of 22.05 and 44.20 seconds, and held off a late threat from 12-1 Will True Up to win by a half-length. Rosengold ran about 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:12.20.

“He likes to be clear,” Garcia said. “When you ask him, he keeps going. The best thing is I had a good pace. There was no pressure.”

Rosengold led by as much as 2 1/2 lengths, with a furlong remaining. Horizon Sky, an 11-1 shot making his first start in the United States, finished third in the field of eight, followed by Native Treasure, Procurement, Tiger Day, Amarish, and Caught Napping.

Rosengold, who is by Stormello, was bred by Bill Currin and Catherine Parke and races for Currin and trainer Julio Canani. Rosengold has won 2 of 3 starts and $80,290.

Rosengold has yet to run beyond 6 1/2 furlongs, but a mile is within his reach, Garcia said.

“He’s not a crazy horse,” he said. “I think he can go longer.”