Charlatan Proves Unstoppable With Allowance-Level Win

Three-year-old Bob Baffert trainee Charlatan kept the wins coming March 14 with another impressive score in a one-mile allowance optional claiming race at Santa Anita Park. 

Ridden by Drayden Van Dyke, Charlatan broke sharply on the outside in the field of five and flashed early speed to get up for the lead over Rushie, who challenged for controlling position on the rail. Charlatan opened his commanding position to 1 1/2 lengths through the first quarter-mile in :23.14. Silent Fury tracked the pace in the two-path in second ahead of Rushie, who took the rail trip in third.  

As the half-mile went in :46.86, Charlatan increased his lead to three lengths. Silent Fury continued to stalk in second between Great Power and Rushie, while Princeofthenorth trailed the field. 

Silent Fury lost momentum along the backstretch and dropped back. Charlatan maintained control as six furlongs went in 1:11.04 and the field rounded the turn for home. There was plenty of gas in the tank for Charlatan, who galloped home easily down the stretch to win by 10 1/4 lengths. 

Rushie took second, followed by Great Power and Princeofthenorth. Silent Fury was eased in the stretch. The final time was 1:36.24 on a fast track. 

Charlatan is campaigned by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Fred Hertrich III, John Fielding, and Golconda Stables. The son of Speightstown  thrilled the Southern California crowd Feb. 16 when he wired the field to win his debut by 5 3/4 lengths. 

Bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, Charlatan is the second foal out of the Quiet American mare Authenticity, who won the La Troienne Stakes (G2) and Shuvee Handicap (G3) and placed in grade 1 company four times. Charlatan was purchased for $700,000 by SF Bloodstock and Starlight West from the consignment of Denali Stud to the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. 

Charlatan has won both of his starts with $67,200 in purses.