Bitumen Powers Home in the Sanford Stakes
Bitumen proved that his flashy maiden score was no fluke when he opened up on a small but talented field of four other colts in the 2016 Sanford Stakes.
As expected, Zartera blasted out of the gate and went straight to the lead. Random Walk pressed between horses while Bay Numbers kept them company on the outside. Bitumen settled five lengths behind in fourth while Bronson trailed through the first-quarter in :22.61. While the three pacesetters continued to battle through a half in :45.79, Javier Castellano kicked Bitumen into gear. The pair flew four-wide around the sharp turn and passed the straggling pace setters to capture the six furlong event by a widening 1 ¾ lengths in 1:10.68. Random Walk held second while Zartara tired to third, three lengths behind him. Bronson finished a troubled fourth.
Castellano commented after the race that, "He (Bitumen) was very professional the way he did it, handling the dirt very well - three horses up on the lead with a lot of kickback, it hit him for the first time in the face. You kind of anticipate he wouldn't like it much, but he went through it. He figured it out really quick and turning for home he gave me great acceleration. Very professional.”
Castellano continued, “He didn't break too sharp out of the gate. I didn't want to rush up, I just wanted to do the right thing with the horse, and he showed me a lot of class. It worked out great, just perfect, three horses went into a speed duel, I took my time and when I asked, he responded very well."
Bitumen returned $3.90, $2.50 and $2.10 for the victory. Random Walk offered $2.70 and $2.20 for place and Zartera paid $2.80 to show. The chalky $2 exacta paid $7.30, the $2 trifecta was $15.00 and the $2 super returned a paltry $22.80.
In his debut at Churchill Downs, the Eddie Kenneally trained youngster galloped away from over-matched maidens at by 6 ¾ lengths. The talented colt was timed in 1:09.49 for six furlongs and flew his final 1/8 in 11.75. Bitumen is now 2-2-0-0 and has earned $117,900.
The trainer was naturally thrilled with the way Bitumen handled his first start against winners. He stated, "I'm delighted with performance, he ran really, really well. He got a great education today because he was in behind and took so much dirt. He overcame that and that goes to show how much class he has. He's a really nice horse. He galloped out good and ran a huge race. Today was a great foundation and education and will help him going forward."
Bitumen’s half-sister Meshell (Elusive Quality) is a stakes winning sprinter. Their dam Kobla Cat is a half-sister to multiple G1 winner and sire Quality Road (Elusive Quality). Bitumen should enjoy stretching out to 1 1/16 miles and farther. He’ll certainly be an interesting prospect to watch on the 2017 Kentucky Derby trail.