Santa Anita: Tom’s Tribute wins stakes debut in Uniformity

ARCADIA, Calif. – Tom’s Tribute won his stakes debut in Sunday’s $72,350 Uniformity Stakes for 3-year-old turf sprinters at Santa Anita, a victory that led trainer Jim Cassidy to plan a Grade 1 appearance in November for the promising colt.

Cassidy said Tom’s Tribute will be considered for the $250,000 Hollywood Derby over 1 1/4 miles on turf Nov. 29.

In the Uniformity Stakes over about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course, Tom’s Tribute ($4) closed from fourth to win by a convincing 2 1/4 lengths over pacesetter Rosengold, a 9-2 shot. Appealing Tale was third in the field of six, followed by Procurement, Miceli, and Salutos Amigos.

Tom’s Tribute was timed in 1:12.14 under jockey Mike Smith. Cassidy said he was impressed that Tom’s Tribute raced within two lengths of Rosengold on the hillside before taking the lead in the final furlong.

“This horse has never done anything wrong in my estimation,” Cassidy said. “He got into the race earlier than he usually did. He’s been fabulous every time he’s run.”

Owned by Marilyn Braly, Tom’s Tribute has won 3 of 6 starts and $139,480. Purchased for $310,000 as a 2-year-old in training at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale Co. in March 2012, Tom’s Tribute beat maidens in his second start at Betfair Hollywood Park on July 5 and finished second in two races at Del Mar before winning an optional claimer over a mile here Sept. 29.

Cassidy considered Tom’s Tribute for the $150,000 Twilight Derby on turf Nov. 1 but opted for the Uniformity Stakes after expressing concern that the Twilight Derby could oversubscribe and Tom’s Tribute could be omitted from the field.