Touched by Autism helps Taboada raise awareness

In 2008, a Cinderella story unfolded for owner Johnny Taboada in the Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby when Autism Awareness, the longest shot on the board, scored the biggest upset ($126) in the race’s history.

Autism Awareness, a $1,000 purchase at the Northern California yearling sale in Pleasanton, was not a one-hit wonder. The next year, he won a four-way photo in the Grade 3 Berkeley, beating millionaires Bold Chieftain and Awesome Gem. He earned $356,732 in his career.

Taboada is back for Saturday’s El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields, a lot wiser in the business of horse racing but surprisingly confident about Touched by Autism, whom Taboada purchased for $2,700 at the 2014 Northern California sale.

You’ll notice the word “autism” in the names of both colts. That’s because Taboada’s son suffers from the disorder.

Taboada combines his love of racing and his concern about autism to include the word in the names of his horses.

“I wouldn’t do it any other way,” he said, proud that he and his horses have helped inform people about the disorder. “It means a lot to me. Whether we win or lose, it raises attention.”

Touched by Autism, conditioned by young trainer Marcia Stortz, just won his maiden Jan. 7 at Santa Anita. Autism Awareness won the 2008 El Camino Real Derby in his first start after winning his maiden.

“He was running against some really tough horses, losing to Kentucky-breds,” Stortz said of Touched by Autism. “He ran consistently close, but we decided to run down south in a Cal-bred race.”

Three of the four winners from Touched by Autism’s first four starts here were nominated to the El Camino Real Derby. Giopress and Mana Strike are among the 12 runners considered definite to run as of last weekend, while Allaboutaction will sit out the race with a minor foot problem.

“He has an amazing stride, and slowly he’s getting better and better,” said Stortz.

Taboada was impressed by the colt’s performance on a track listed as “good” after heavy rain.

“He got passed [in the stretch], but he wasn’t going to be beaten,” he said. “He showed courage and stamina to come back.”

Taboada knows that his Sierra Sunset colt still has to prove himself, but he said, “Eight years after that [El Camino Real victory], I’m happy to be in the same place. I like my chances. He wants to run. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ran a good race.”

Full field for El Camino Real

The top three California Derby finishers – Frank Conversation, Marqula, and Algenon – are among the dozen runners definitely expected to run in the El Camino Real Derby. Mana Strike, the winner of the Gold Rush Stakes but surprisingly last in the California Derby, is also considered definite.

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, a six-time winner of the El Camino Real Derby, will run Mr. Coker, who won his maiden Jan. 18 at Santa Anita in his second start. Hollendorfer didn’t nominate the budding Northern California star Life Is a Trip, a winner of both of his starts at 5 1/2 furlongs, because he’d like to see him work through his conditions first.

Mr. Coker impressed Hollendorfer with his strong stretch run in winning at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Kasseopia and Oscar Dominguez will make their U.S. debuts, although Kasseopia did run second in the Grade 3 Grey in October at Woodbine in his North American debut.

The remainder of the likely field – Bistraya, Diplodocus, Giopress, and Tusk – also are only maiden winners. Kelly With a Twist and Regal Kitten are considered possible runners.