Baffert-trained Zulfikhar Delivers in Debut
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Photo: Benoit Photo
Zulfikhar won his debut by 3 3/4 lengths July 7
Drawing away from the field without seeing the whip, Bob Baffert-trained Zulfikhar delivered on his lofty price tag, winning his debut by 3 3/4 lengths July 7 at Los Alamitos Race Course.
Although the Bodimeister colt broke inward leaving the gate in the maiden race for 2-year-olds, jockey Martin Garcia was able to steady him and take up position just behind the leader, Fast Cotton. The first quarter-mile went in :22.18 and the half-mile was in :44.98.
Nearing the mid-point of the turn, Zulfikhar stuck a head in front and heading into the stretch he pulled away to win at odds of 3-5. The final time for the five-furlong test was :56.73.
Almeria closed for second with Flip the Coin Jan 2 1/2 lengths back for third.
Owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum, Zulfikhar was a $750,000 purchase by agent Donato Lanni at the Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream select 2-year-olds in training sale.
His sire Bodemeister, who was second in both the 2012 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands and the Preakness Stakes (both G1), also sired this year's Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming and is currently the leading second-crop sire.
Out of the Mineshaft mare Pink Diamond, Zulfikhar was bred in Kentucky by Nursery Place, Donaldson, Broadbent, and Hughes.