Zayat Stables’ homebred PIONEEROF THE NILE (Empire Maker) took the lead in
early stretch and held off a spirited run from I Want Revenge (Stephen Got Even)
to capture the $750,000
CashCall Futurity (G1) over the Hollywood Park Cushion
oval on Saturday. In the hands of trainer Bob Baffert for the first time,
the 7-5 choice was alert early and sat in perfect position while third as Ventana (Toccet) and Frumious (Grindstone) disputed the lead through fractions
of :23 2/5 and :47. Approaching the final turn, Garrett Gomez began to urge his
mount to ready for the stretch drive and he responded, getting clear of the
first two to lead past the eighth-pole. I Want Revenge closed well near the
inside and appeared to have more momentum than the eventual winner, but Gomez
would not allow his mount to be passed.
The final time for the 1 1/16 miles test was 1:41 4/5, and Pioneerof The Nile
returned $4.80, $3.40 and $2.60 while a nose clear under the wire. I Want
Revenge was unhurried early and moved into contention under his own courage,
accelerated well inside the final furlong and just fell short while 1 1/2
lengths clear of third. The 6-1 third choice paid $6.20 and $4.40 while
completing the $16.80 exacta ($1). Chocolate Candy (Candy Ride [Arg]) traveled
wide throughout and offered a solid effort late to secure the third spot by two
lengths at 7-1. Show was worth $4.40 and the $1 trifecta gave back $70.20. The
$1 superfecta (5-7-6-10) paid $315.60 when the 7-1 Bittel Road (Stormy Atlantic)
earned the fourth spot. Azul Leon (Lion Heart) was another 1 1/2 lengths back in
fifth and was trailed by Axel Foley (Officer), Mark S The Cooler (Johar), Hype
(More Than Ready), Frumious, J P Jammer (Old Trieste) and Ventana. Mr. Rod
(Scrimshaw) was withdrawn.
Pioneerof The Nile began his career with a close fourth in a maiden endeavor
over the Saratoga lawn, and followed that debut with a triumph at
that same venue. The juvenile then made the jump to Grade 1 company, where he
made a visually impressive middle move prior to being third in the Breeders’
Futurity (G1) at Keeneland. In his latest venture, the Kentucky-bred was fifth
in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), beaten only 2 3/4 lengths under the tutelage
of Bill Mott. His career line reads 5-2-0-1, $544,200.
The winner was produced from 1997 La Troienne S. victress Star of Goshen
(Lord at War [Arg]), making him a half-brother to three-time graded stakes
placer Forefathers (Gone West) and an unnamed yearling filly by Fusaichi
Pegasus. This is the same female line as Grade 1 hero Bordonaro (Memo [Chi]),
who bagged the 2006 Ancient Title S. (G1).