The Secret Is Out!
On a day of horrible tragedy, trainer Bob Baffert who lost his beloved juvenile filly Secret Compass to a lateral condylar fracture, found redemption and elation when his star sprinter, Secret Circle closed quickly to score an impressive victory in the $1,500,000 Xpressbet Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1).
Secret Circle who was making only his second start since running second in the 2012 Arkansas Derby proved that there was simply no rust on the wheels. Jockey Martin Garcia who broke strong with the son of Eddington made the wise decision to take the colt back off the blistering pace. Santa Anita's main track had been speed favoring all weekend, so the choice to take Secret Circle back might have been a dangerous one, but Garcia had strong belief in the “Engine” beneath him.
Sum of the Parts, under jockey Leandro Goncalves rushed up early and led the field through a blazing quarter mile in 21.32 with the Ron Moquett charge Gentlemen’s Bet forcing his hand on the rail. Private Zone and Fast Bullet followed on the outside. Gentlemen’s Bet put Sum of the Parts away while running the half in 43.72. Secret Circle made a strong but extremely wide move as they came into the stretch. Gentlemen’s Bet was all heart for J.J. Castellano but the early fractions and the devastating turn of foot from Secret Circle proved to be too much. Secret Circle went on to hold off a fast closing Laugh Track by a neck, Gentlemen’s Bet finished 3rd, with 30-1 long shot Majestic Stride filling out the superfecta. Secret Circle paid $7.00 to win, $4.80 to place, and $3.60 to show.
Secret Circle’s win in the sprint is the 4th victory for the team of Mike Pegram and Bob Baffert and the second Breeders’ Cup victory for Secret Circle, who won the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint at Churchill Downs. The victory in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint keeps Secret Circle undefeated sprinting. He came into the race off several strong workouts which let the Secret out to the punters who bet the colt with only one start in 2013 down to the 5/2 favorite.
The once derby hopeful (2012) has now found himself a home as one of the world’s best sprinters. 2014 could be a dominating year for Secret Circle if his connections decide to bring him back and he stays healthy. He could echo the accomplishments of Midnight Lute and repeat as the Breeders’ Cup Sprint Champion, only time will tell. But for trainer Bob Baffert and Secret Circle it's time to relish victory.