Phantom Boss signals 'bright future' in Bashford Manor win

Southern California invader Phantom Boss inched clear in the final eighth of a mile to win Saturday’s 118th running of the Grade 3, $125,000 Bashford Manor on closing day at Churchill Downs’ 38-day Spring Meet, beating Rowdy Yates by three-quarters of a length. 

Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, Phantom Boss ran six furlongs over a fast main track in 1:10.78 for trainer Jorge Periban and owners Bada Beng Racing, Tom Beckerle, Terry Lovingier and Amanda Navarro.

Phantom Boss broke alertly from post position No. 1, but he settled nicely behind early leaders Verb and Rowdy Yates. Before the pacesetters hit the first quarter-mile marker in :21.84, Phantom Boss switched to an outside tracking position in third with Snell Yeah just to his inside. Leaving the turn in :45.51, Phantom Boss made a four-wide move to draw even with the bunch. He moved ahead with a furlong to run and proved to be best.

"When we debuted this horse in open company and he only got beat a nose I knew we had something special," said Periban, who won with his first Churchill starter Saturday. "I told the owners that he could have a very bright future. Today’s performance was unbelievable. I love Kentucky and can’t wait to come back.”

Phantom Boss’ triumph was worth $75,950 and increased his bankroll to $131,850 with a record of two wins and a second in three starts. Previously, he broke his maiden at Santa Anita with an easy 2 ½-length score in a California-bred maiden special weight.

Phantom Boss is a 2-year-old son of 2011 Preakness and 2012 Clark Handicap (GI) winner Shackleford out of the Street Boss mare Bossy Belle. He was bred in California by Lovingier.

Phantom Boss returned $5, $2.80 and $2.20 as the 3-2 favorite.

"The one thing that has been so special about this horse is not only has he been improving in his performances on the track but he’s been improving mentally," Bejarano said. "Today, breaking on the rail, I knew there would be some speed to my outside. We were able to sit a great trip just behind them and get around them at the top of the lane.”

The Steve Asmussen-trained Rowdy Yates, second under Ricardo Santana Jr. as the 8-5 second choice, paid $3.20 and $2.60 and finished two lengths in front ofVerb who paid $3.20 to show under James Graham at 5-1.

Silent Malice, Snell Yeah and Rookie Salsa completed the order of finish. Alec and Arthur missed the start and was distanced.