Debut Winner Power Jam Impresses for Baffert
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Add another Bob Baffert-trained colt to his already formidable list of Triple Crown hopefuls.
Concord Point colt Power Jam joined the Hall of Fame trainer's crowded barn of 3-year-old prospects with an easy 4 1/4-length victory in a six-furlong maiden special weight event Feb. 14 at Santa Anita Park .
Out of Smart Strike dam Musical Rhythm, Kaleem Shah's homebred Power Jam ran the six furlongs in an impressive 1:08.68, hand-ridden by Baffert's go-to jockey Martin Garcia in his first career start. The Kentucky-bred colt entered off four consecutive bullet works in Southern California, with his last being a handy five-furlong blowout from the gate in :58 4/5 Feb. 8.
Power Jam, favored at 2-5, took command entering the turn after Bold Bid opened up the first quarter mile from the rail in :21.77. Power Jam reached the quarter pole in an eye-catching :43.77 in front by two lengths. He was three in front at the furlong pole before cruising home late under steady handling.
"I trained his father (Concord Point), who was extremely fast," Baffert said. "We needed to see something like that, with breeding season coming."
The multiple graded stakes-winning Concord Point is standing at Hill 'n' Dale Farms in Lexington for a fee of $7,500. Power Jam was the young stallion's 15th winner from 27 starters.
"This was for (Concord Point) to get some action," added Shah, who campaigned Concord Point with Baffert.
Beyond the maiden win, though, Baffert didn't indicate any path for Power Jam, who the trainer considered running at Del Mar as a 2-year-old last year before the colt showed some minor muscle issues.
"Our path is to keep him undefeated. We'll try to win 20 in a row with him," Baffert said, tongue firmly in cheek. "He's nominated (for the grade I Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands), so you never know. There's probably something out there for him, but the horse that ran second is a really good horse, too."
Another Baffert trainee, Wolf Man Rocket, closed from fourth to finish second under Victor Espinoza. The Kentucky-bred was sired by three-time grade I winner Mineshaft and is out of Deputy Minister mare Kelly Pond. Owned by Frank Fletcher Racing, Wolf Man Rocket was purchased for $550,000 from the Eisaman Equine consignment at the Ocala Breeders' Sale Co. spring sale of 2-year-olds in training.
"You'll hear from both of those first two finishers," Baffert said.
Power Jam paid $2.80 to win.