Baffert Ships Tall Paul Cross-Country for Maiden Win

While the main body of Bob Baffert's graded stakes-winning fleet will not arrive at Saratoga Race Course until Travers Stakes (G1) week, the Hall of Fame trainer made an auspicious 2023 debut at the Spa Aug. 12.

With Baffert back at his Del Mar base, Tonja Terranova saddled Tall Paul  in Saturday's opening race at the Spa and the 2-year-old New York State-bred son of Frosted   took charge and posted an impressive three-length victory for Baffert and the ownership group of Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and "Tall Paul" himself, Paul Weitman.

Tall Paul, bred by Jeff Treadway out of the Scat Daddy mare Ananda, debuted at Del Mar July 23 with a third in open company.

"We thought it was a good spot for him," Baffert said about the $88,000 six-furlong sprint for juvenile maidens bred in New York. "You have to take advantage of that New York-bred situation."

Baffert spotted the colt earlier this year at the OBS March Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale and purchased him for "The Three Amigos" for $475,000 from the Grade One Investments consignment.

"He worked fast (:09.80) and was a nice looking horse," Baffert said. "Frosted has been a little quiet and I didn't think we'd have to pay as much as we did, but he looked like a fast horse."

Nellie Breeden, who founded Grade One Investments with her husband, Chetley, was among the group leading Tall Paul into the winner's circle Saturday.

Tall Paul ($3.60) showed speed from the start and led throughout, fending off early pressure from Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable's runner-up Quiet Wisdom  (Into Mischief  ) to draw clear in the final furlong and cover the distance in 1:12.13 under Joel Rosario as the 4-5 favorite in a field of seven.

Baffert credited Rosario with a sharp ride as he kept Tall Paul under a snug hold until he asked for more speed in the stretch.

"I'm happy for Joel after what he went through last week," Baffert said, referring to the fall Rosario took when Maple Leaf Mel suffered a fatal injury in the Test Stakes (G1). "It just goes to show how these jockeys have the mentality of bull riders. He's a great rider."

He also offered praise for Terranova and her work in handling horses he ships to New York.

"Tonja is in charge of my horses in New York. She's been with me forever," Baffert said. "Every time we go to New York our horses stay with her and her husband (trainer John Terranova II). She's a good friend and is like a sister to me."

Tall Paul, a half brother to the stakes placed Ananroad  (Quality Road  ), is the fourth and most recent foal for Ananda and her third winner.

Baffert said a state-bred stakes would likely be next for Tall Paul.