by John Mucciolo
Trainer Bob Baffert has a bevy of stars competing in the Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs this weekend, and he unveiled a future star on Friday with WinStar Farm, China Horse Club and SF Racing’s Improbable, who dominated the $100,000 Street Sense Stakes to kick off the stakes action on the “Future Stars Friday” program.
The City Zip colt was a bit tardy out of the gate but soon got into position as the leaders reached a half-mile in a swift :44.96. The chestnut moved to the three path under pilot Drayden Van Dyke nearing the turn for home, glided to the front and it was just a matter of how far he would win by after that.
Improbable was 7 1/4 lengths clear at the finish line while clocking the one-turn mile in 1:35.61 over the fast dirt to earn his first stakes triumph. The 4-5 choice returned $3.80 for the win.
Early leader Trophy Chaser stayed on gamely for runner-up honors as the 3-1 second favorite. Distant Shore, off at 14-1, moved to third nearing midstrretch and held that position under Corey Lanerie.
Improbable was a winner in his September 29 debut at Santa Anita Park, gutting out a neck victory. He is now perfect from a pair lifetime outings and moved his career earnings to $89,520.
The winner was bred in the Bluegrass State by St. George Farm and G. Watts Humphrey Jr., and attracted a final bid of $200,000 at the 2017 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
Improbable is out of the winning A.P. Indy mare Rare Event and his second dam, stakes heroine Our Rite of Spring, is a half-sister to Grade 1-scoring leading sire Hard Spun.
