Four graduates of 2020 OBS 2-Year-Old Sales broke their maidens in style from coast to coast this weekend.
Jeff Drown and Don Rachel’s Founder trailed early in the slop on Saturday at Saratoga in a $72,000 six furlong maiden special test, but came off the rail turning for home, ducked out sharply a furlong from home, but closed relentlessly and was up in the final yards to win by a neck for trainer Chad Brown. It was the first start for the 2-year-old colt by Upstart, sold for $600,000 by Woodford Thoroughbreds to Mike Ryan, Agent, at the 2020 March Sale after working a quarter in :21 flat at the Under Tack Show. watch his under tack video
Bob Baffert unveiled Baoma Corporation’s Varda on Sunday at Del Mar in a $55,000 six furlong maiden special dash and the 2-year-old daughter of Distorted Humor looked like a winner all the way. She tracked the leader into the turn, took over after turning for home and eased away late to score by 3-1/4 lengths. Consigned to the 2020 Spring Sale by Niall Brennan Stables, Agent, she was purchased for $700,000 by Donato Lanni on behalf of Baoma Corporation after turning in an Under Tack quarter in :20 4/5. watch her under tack video
Kaleem Shah, Inc.’s Vittorio put the lessons learned in his first start to good use in Del Mar on Saturday, taking command of a $55,000 maiden special after turning for home and drawing away to a 3-1/4 length score for trainer Simon Callaghan. The 2-year-old Ghostzapper colt, consigned to the 2020 Spring Sale by Sequel Bloodstock, Agent, sped an Under Tack eighth in :9 4/5 and was sold for $750,000 to Ben McElroy, Agent for Arman Shah. watch his under tack video walking video
Ron Arakelian III and Ron Arakelian, Jr.’s Half Right was overlooked at 17-1 in his debut for trainer Doug O’Neill at Saratoga on Sunday in a $62,000 5-1/2 furlong maiden special test. But the 2-year-old son of Alpha was on the engine early, battled for the lead until the top of the stretch, then took command and drew way to a 2-1/2 length victory. He was selected and purchased for $52,000 by Dennis O’Neill out of the Off the Hook consignment at the 2020 Spring Sale after an Under Tack eighth in :10 1/5. watch his under tack video walking video