I'll Have Another Takes Best Shot

Trainer Doug O’Neill, who saddled Azul Leon to win the 2008 Best Pal Stakes, will be aiming for another score in the $150,000 Grade II event on Sunday. With a 2-year-old colt appropriately named “I’ll Have Another.”

The son of Flower Alley, purchased by O’Neill’s major client, J. Paul Reddam, for $35,000 in April at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale in Florida, was a three-quarter length winner in his racing debut on July 3 at Hollywood Park in a time of 1:03 4/5 for 5 ½ furlongs. I’ll Have Another drew the No. 1 post position in a field of seven for the 6 ½ furlong assignment that often produces contenders for the $250,000, Grade I Del Mar Futurity on the closing day of the meeting.

“I’m not crazy about drawing the rail, but hopefully he’s got the talent to overcome it,” O’Neill said. “He’s gotten over the track well in his works down here.”

One of eight horses O’Neill has placed in nomination for the Futurity, I’ll Have Another, who’ll be ridden by Joel Rosario, currently occupies the No. 1 spot on the stable’s depth chart.

“His win was very impressive and right now I’d say he’s the best,” O’Neill said. “I have a lot of 2-year-olds with potential, but he’s the most advanced at this point in time.”

The Best Pal will also feature two from the barn of seven-time winning trainer Bob Baffert.  Brigand, a Flatter colt, was second and Night Tide, a Malibu Moon colt, third to Majestic City in the Hollywood Juvenile.

Additionally, there’s Mike Harrington-trained Creative Cause, a Giant’s Causeway colt purchased for $125,000 in the Keeneland September sale who was a 4 ¾-length winner in his racing debut on July 16 at Hollywood Park in a blazing :56 4/5 for five furlongs.

“If he repeats that performance,” O’Neill said. “We’re all running for second place.”