Santa Anita: Secret Circle makes it 2 for 2 with Jack Goodman win

ARCADIA, Calif. - Secret Circle remained unbeaten after two starts, and earned a trip to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint at Churchill Downs next month, with an emphatic victory in Monday's $71,340 Jack Goodman Stakes at Santa Anita.

Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, Secret Circle stalked pacesetters Sweep Swap and A Toe by Three for the first half-mile, took the lead in early stretch and won by a comfortable 5 1/4 lengths. Secret Circle ran six furlongs in 1:08.27.

The style of the win surprised Garcia, who thought his mount would have the early lead. Secret Circle chased a quick pace of 21.31 and 44.20 seconds set by Sweet Swap and A Toe by Three.

"I just let him settle and put him behind, waiting for the stretch," Bejarano said. "I had a perfect position after that. When I came to the stretch, I was clear and he just took off. It was unbelievable.

"I didn't use the whip. I just galloped and cruised."

Galex, stakes-placed at Pleasanton in July, closed from fifth to finish second at 18-1, a length in front of 14-1 Pannettone. A Toe by Three finished fourth, followed by Sweet Swap and Scallion, who broke slowly.

Secret Circle is trained by Bob Baffert for Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman. A colt by Eddington, Secret Circle won his debut at Del Mar on July 23 in a maiden race over 5 1/2 furlongs.

The $500,000 Juvenile Sprint is a new addition to the Breeders' Cup schedule and will be run on Nov. 4.