Secret Circle gave trainer Bob Baffert a sweep of the two divisions of the $250,000 Southwest Stakes (gr. III) this afternoon when he wore down a stubborn Scatman to win the one-mile race by a half-length.
Ridden to victory by Rafael Bejarano -- who won the first division of the race aboard Baffert's Castaway -- Secret Circle got off to a very quick beginning and settled into second place early on as Scatman set the pace. Apprehender was on the outside in third, followed on the inside by Z Rockstar. Cyber Secret, who stumbled at the start before being rushed into contention, was caught four-wide around the first turn but was only two lengths from the front. Adirondack King was back toward the rear of the pack while racing toward the rail.
Through testing fractions of :23.21 and :46.81, Scatman continued to show the way while Secret Circle tracked him on the outside. Cyber Secret attempted to make a bid for the lead around the far turn, but was repulsed by the two leaders and left behind. Adirondack King was rallying impressively on the far outside, but as the field turned for home, it was Secret Circle and Scatman who were pulling away impressively.
A dramatic stretch duel ensued, as Scatman gamely attempted to turn back the looming odds-on favorite. Secret Circle was poised on the outside, apparently ready to blow right past his rival, but just couldn't seem to finish off his run as he began to drift out. Then, inside the forty yards, Secret Circle wore down his stubborn rival to win the race in narrow fashion.
The final time was 1:37.08, more than a second quicker than the final time of the first division. Adirondack King finished a clear third, while Pee H Dee rounded out the superfecta. Cyber Secret, Z Rockstar, Chalybeate Springs, King Coral, Apprehender, and Big Wednesday completed the order of finish.
-Keelerman
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