Prospect Watch: Songbird’s full brother + 5 other big debuts
One week after a half-sister to California Chrome took to the stage at Del Mar, another sibling to a champion is set to enter the spotlight.
At Saratoga, the name to know is Galt, a full brother to the sensational filly Songbird. Galt is one of a half-dozen Saturday runners highlighted in this week’s action-packed edition of Prospect Watch.
Saratoga Race 6: Maiden special weight (1 1/16 miles on turf, 3:22 p.m. EDT)
#6 Annapolis
Pedigree: War Front—My Miss Sophia, by Unbridled’s Song
Purchase price: N/A
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
My Miss Sophia is best remembered for winning the Gazelle (G2) and finishing second in the Kentucky Oaks on dirt. But she later developed into a capable turf miler, finishing third in the First Lady (G1) and Ballston Spa (G2). Will this translate to grass success for her son Annapolis? War Front certainly has sired plenty of top-class turf runners, and Annapolis already has taken a few morning spins over Saratoga’s turf training course. With elite turf rider Irad Ortiz Jr. in the saddle, Annapolis is a logical threat to win on debut.
Saratoga Race 7: Maiden special weight (seven furlongs, 3:53 p.m. EDT)
#4 Misbehaved
Pedigree: Into Mischief—Lofeofalifetime, by Medaglia d’Oro
Purchase price: $875,000
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Quick works have been commonplace for Misbehaved, who wrapped up his debut preparations with a swift half mile in 47 3/5 seconds at Saratoga on Aug. 29. Sold for $875,000 earlier this year, Misbehaved is bred top and bottom to be fast – sire Into Mischief was a Grade 1-placed sprinter/miler widely known as a source of speed, while dam Loveofalifetime previously foaled the three-time stakes-winning sprinter Into Mystic. If Misbehaved lives up to his pedigree, he will be a factor on Saturday.
Pedigree: American Pharoah—Slow Sand, by Dixieland Band
Purchase price: $400,000
Trainer: Nick Zito
It’s been a few years since Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito last had a high-profile Kentucky Derby contender in his stable. Can Atlantic Dancer turn things around and take Zito back to the spring classics? The pricey yearling purchase certainly has the pedigree to excel on the Derby trial. Sire American Pharoah needs no introduction –he swept the Triple Crown in 2015 – and dam Slow Sand already has foaled Tampa Bay Derby (G2) winner and Arkansas Derby (G1) runner-up King Guillermo.
Atlantic Dancer’s work tab isn’t overly flashy, and Zito rarely wins with first-time starters, so don’t expect Atlantic Dancer to strike on debut. But down the road, he might turn out to be a good one.
#8 Galt
Pedigree: Medaglia d’Oro—Ivanavinalot, by West Acre
Purchase price: $400,000
Trainer: Bill Mott
One of the most exciting juveniles set to debut this week is Galt, a full brother to the two-time champion filly Songbird. Considering Songbird won three Grade 1 races (including the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies) at age 2, it’s possible Galt can progress in a similarly early-maturing manner and shine in his debut at the Spa.
Galt has picked up the pace in recent workouts, turning in a couple of quick half-mile moves at Saratoga, and it is worth noting that Bill Mott is winning at a higher-than-usual 18 percent rate with first-time starters this season. Don’t count Songbird’s younger brother out of the mix.
Del Mar Race 10: Maiden special weight (5 1/2 furlongs, 9:00 p.m. EDT)
Pedigree: Distorted Humor—Unacloud, by Unaccounted For
Purchase price: N/A
Trainer: John Sadler
Five furlongs in 59 4/5 from the Del Mar starting gate, followed by another five furlongs at Del Mar in 59 2/5. It’s safe to say that Breakfast Ride has shown speed during morning training, and yet his pedigree is geared toward success running long. Distorted Humor is best known as the sire of classic winners Funny Cide and Drosselmeyer, while dam Unacloud has foaled Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Overanalyze and Florida Derby (G1) runner-up Majesto, as well as seven-furlong Matron (G1) winner Meadow Breeze. Any way you slice it, Breakfast Ride looks like a talented and exciting prospect.
#10 Corniche
Pedigree: Quality Road—Wasted Tears, by Najran
Purchase price: $1,500,000
Trainer: Bob Baffert
You can bet Corniche will receive plenty of support in his debut. The Bob Baffert trainee has been cranking out fast workouts like clockwork at Del Mar, including six furlongs in 1:12 4/5 and a trio of 59-and-change half-mile moves. Just as important, Corniche brings a high-class pedigree to the table – sire Quality Road won multiple Grade 1 races running long on dirt, while dam Wasted Tears was a turf miler victorious in half a dozen graded stakes. With Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith in the saddle, Corniche looks tough to beat.