Growing young athletes can be challenging in any sport. When things get a little spicy, you oftentimes figure out just who can handle the hot sauce.
Newgrange is just one of the talented three-year-old colts in the Bob Baffert barn. Having liked what he has seen in the brief career of this son of Violence, the hall of fame conditioner decided it was time to test this speedy grandson of Empire Maker. Shipping to Oaklawn Park for the Southwest Stakes, one of their three-year-old races, Big Race Bob wanted to find out a few things about a horse that had looked good in two previous starts in California (maiden race at Del Mar, Sham Stakes at Santa Anita). After an adventurous trip to Arkansas, Mr. Baffert got his answer.
The trip East had a little dash of Frank’s Hot Sauce right off the bat. Forced to fly into Memphis and then van to Hot Springs, Newgrange was a day later arriving than originally planned. Drawing the ten post in a twelve-horse field also presented a taste of the chipotle as a short run to the first turn was a part of this mile and a sixteenth race.
When the gates opened so did the bottle of Louisiana Red Hot. Forced wide into the first turn, the horse that had been on the lead for most of his two previous races was trailing two others as he struggled to get a hold over the Arkansas dirt. Floating in fourth as the field turned for home, Newgrange would have to navigate traffic while trying to find his best stride. Pass the red pepper, please.
Patiently aboard this Kentucky-bred was the hall of fame rider John Velazquez. Shaking up his mount, Johnny V helped Newgrange find that extra gear. Exploding inside the eighth pole, Baffert’s boy displayed the amazing turn of foot that provided the confidence to send him to Oaklawn. Easily eclipsing the frontrunners, Newgrange was clear at the wire and won by a widening 1 ½ lengths.
“When you think about all the things that stacked against him he ran a very courageous race for a young horse”, says Baffert. “This was a great experience for him to ship and win. He showed a lot of quality and is obviously a very competitive horse.”
The next move for Newgrange is yet to be determined. Emerging from the Southwest in good order, races on the West coast are possible or a return trip to Oaklawn could happen too. Whatever happens, we know he can handle the hot sauce.
photo courtesy of Oaklawn Park
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