Curly Top stamped himself as the latest up-and-coming Bob Baffert-trainee when he rallied past favored Footbridge to win a one-mile maiden special weight at Santa Anita by three-quarters of a length.
Ridden to victory by Martin Garcia, Curly Top was just a tad slow to get going from post position one, but soon settled comfortably along the rail in the third position as Footbridge and Syndicated led the way through fractions of :22.83 and :46.81 seconds. Forest Boy was racing on Curly Top's outside in fourth, followed by Coastal Breeze, Python, Apostle Paul, Dr. Spin, Colburn, and Moreno.
Following three-quarters of a mile in 1:11.25 seconds, Footbridge kicked on for home and appeared to have the race sewn up. However, in the final eighth of a mile, Curly Top shifted to the outside under Garcia and wore down the favorite in deep stretch to win going away in 1:36.23 seconds.
Footbridge stayed on well to finish second, 1 3/4 lengths ahead of Syndicated. Colburn, Coastal Breeze, Forest Boy, Python, Dr. Spin, Apostle Paul, and Moreno completed the order of finish.
The winner is a son of Curlin out of Sultry Song mare Top Notch Lady. He is owned by Mercedes Stables.
-Keelerman
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