Declassify Digs In for Triple Bend

Kaleem Shah's Declassify made his first graded stakes attempt a successful one with a hard-fought win in the Grade 1, $300,000 Triple Bend at Santa Anita Park.

Under Martin Garcia, the $450,000 April 2012 Ocala Sales purchase vied for early control, matching co-leader Cyclometer stride for stride in a pace of :22.77, :45.50, and 1:09.25. The duo battled through the stretch and as Cyclometer began to edge his rival, Declassify dug in and battled back to win by a nose.

The final time for seven furlongs was 1:22.03.

Indexical held well for third and the "Other Baffert" Drill rallied late to finish fourth. The even-money favorite, Sahara Sky, was never a serious threat, finishing last in the field of six.

Making only his fifth career start, Declassify has a record of three wins and a second and adds $180,000 to his earnings for a total of more than $260,000.

Trained by Bob Baffert, the winner was bred in Kentucky by Gaines-Gentry Thoroughbreds. Declassify is a 4-year-old colt by Orientate, out of the Tale of the Cat dam Mir Cat.

As the 2-1 second choice, Declassify paid $6.60, $3.80 and $3.40. Cyclometer paid $4.80 and $3.60 for the respective place and show. Indexical returned $5.00 to show.