A Three-Year-Old to Watch: Appealing Tale

Appealing Tale stamped himself as a three-year-old to watch next year when he romped to a dominating victory in a one-mile maiden special weight Saturday afternoon at Santa Anita Park.

Patiently ridden by Edwin Maldonado, the colt got off to a good start but was beaten to the early lead by favored Mentor Cane, who absolutely rocketed out of the gate to grab the advantage moving into the second turn. As Mentor Cane shifted toward the rail, Appealing Tale was forced to steady just a bit, but quickly recovered to track in second as Mentor Cane blazed through quick fractions of :22.22, :45.22, and 1:10.27. Russdiculous and Inflamed Spirit were next in line, followed by Benedict Audrey, Democrat Duck, Coastal Breeze, and Dr. Spin in a very spread-out field.

Mentor Cane led the way around the final turn, but as the field approached the homestretch, Appealing Tale made his bid for the lead. Despite drifting outward coming off the turn, Appealing Tale drew off powerfully in the homestretch, eventually winning by 6 1/4 lengths while stopping the clock in 1:37.75.

Coastal Breeze rallied well to finish second, 6 1/2 lengths clear of Mentor Cane. Dr. Spin, Democrat Duck, Benedict Audrey, Russdiculous, and Inflamed Spirit completed the order of finish.

The winner is a son of Tale of the Cat out of Appealing Bride, by Unbridled's Song. He is trained by Peter Miller and owned by Doubledown Stables and Gary and Cecil Barber. He has now compiled a record of 1-0-1 from 3 starts, with earnings of $41,700.

-Keelerman