Trophy Chaser will bring impressive Beyer Figure to Champagne Stakes

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Which 2-year-old has registered the highest Beyer Speed Figure in the division at this point of the season? A hint: He’s not stabled on the West Coast with Bob Baffert or Jerry Hollendorfer. Nor is he based in New York with either Chad Brown or Todd Pletcher.

The correct answer to that tricky question is Trophy Chaser, who resides in trainer Juan Avila’s barn at Gulfstream Park. Trophy Chaser, a Kentucky-bred son of Twirling Candy, received a 96 Beyer for his 15 3/4-length maiden victory over a sloppy track here Aug. 26. That’s two points higher than the figure that the filly Bellafina got in the Grade 2 Sorrento at Del Mar, three better than what Game Winner earned by winning the Del Mar Futurity on Labor Day, and four points more than anything the sensational Instagrand has posted for his two one-sided victories.

Avila will find out shortly whether Trophy Chaser is a one-hit wonder when he sends the relatively unknown colt to Belmont Park in two weeks for the Grade 1 Champagne. On Friday, Avila had Trophy Chaser out well before dawn to breeze six furlongs in 1:14.80 with jockey Junior Alvarado flying down from New York for the work. Trophy Chaser went easily throughout, galloping out seven furlongs in 1:28.20 before pulling up a mile in 1:43, according to the official track clockers.

“Junior was very happy with the work,” said Avila, who is no stranger to success on a big stage having won the prestigious Group 1 Clasico del Caribe with El de Chine in 2012.

“He said the horse galloped out very strong.”

Trophy Chaser actually lost his first start, finishing second at 4 1/2 furlongs July 15. But he was like another horse with a race under his belt when he stretched to six furlongs over the wet track six weeks later.

“I think getting beat the first time was the best thing that could happen,” Avila said. “He was much stronger for his next start. I wasn’t happy with the rain that day because I was concerned how he would handle the off track, but obviously he is very good in the slop, although I never expected him to win like that.”

Avila said he thinks the added distance of the Champagne will be even better for Trophy Chaser.

“He’ll have one more work here next Friday, five furlongs, and he’ll be ready to go a mile,” Avila said. “This is my first time running in New York and I am looking forward to this opportunity. I am very excited.”