Well-bred Casual gets serious

CASUAL

April 11, 5th race, Oaklawn, MdSpWt60k

Beyer: 90

6f , dirt fast, 1:09.24, 1st by half-length ch. f. 3, Curlin–Lady Tak, by Mutakkdim

Noteworthy siblings: A Shin Spartan (Zensational) – multiple stakes-winning Japanese sprinter Auctions: None

Owner: Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings and Stretch Run LLC

Trainer: Steve Asmussen

Breeder: Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings and Stretch

Run LLC

Quite the all-Steve Asmussen-trained pedigree here, being by Curlin and out of multiple Grade 1-winner Lady Tak. She’s produced some okay horses, the best of them apparently A Shin Spartan, a Japanese sprinter just below group-stakes class. This filly broke alertly and was close early before dropping back to race from sixth. She was full of run when behind horses and inside at the quarter pole, found a seam between rivals at the eighth pole, and laid down some very quick strides to rally inside sharp runner-up Silverbella to get the decision, galloping out well in front. Late to change leads but otherwise a very professional debut, which is standard from this barn. Middle distance within range if the Curlin can get her there. Plenty of promise, regardless.

SKOL FACTOR

April 11, 3rd race, Oaklawn, MdSpWt60k

Beyer: 82

6f, dirt fast, 1:09.76, 1st by 6 1/2 lengths gr/r.c.3, The Factor–Kaiserin, by Tiznow

Noteworthy siblings: None

Auctions: Keeneland September yearling 2018

– $37,000

Owner: Hugh Robertson, John Mentz, and Jeff Larson

Trainer: Mac Robertson

Breeder: Emory Hamilton

First race following a fine debut, where he was second to Pneumatic, who made this list for that performance and came back to win an N1X allowance on this same card. Broke out and bumped a rival but quickly found the front as an outside pace rival drew abreast and pressured him from the five-furlong pole to the three-sixteenths. There, Skol Factor put that horse away and basically ran everyone off their feet with a fine display of speed. Jockey eased up the last 50 yards, which led to late-running Oak Room (one to watch) quickly galloping out on front. Well purchased at auction as he’s a very fast horse who already has earned more than he cost.

PRODIGIOUS BAY

April 11, 10th race, Oaklawn, MdSpWt60k

Beyer: 85

1 1/16m, dirt sloppy, 1:43.76, 1st by 4 1/2 lengths b.c.3, Bayern–She’s Funomenal, by Fusaichi Pegasus

Noteworthy siblings: None

Auctions: Keeneland September yearling 2018 – $22,000 (RNA), Fasig-Tipton Spring 2-year-old 2019 – $110,000

Owner: John Cella and Louis Cella

Trainer: Ron Moquett

Breeder: Bluegrass Farm Partners

Decent debut third behind Mr. Monomoy last fall at Churchill, speed and fade in March comeback sprint at Oaklawn, and a serious forward move here in his first route try. How much of his eye-catching performance had to do with making a clear lead on a track that had turned sloppy remains to be seen, but he did set a pretty good pace and never came close to being threatened. Let’s see how he copes with a more challenging trip, but showed the talent exists.

MYLASTFIRSTKISS

April 12, 6th race, Gulfstream, MdSpWt38k

Beyer: 85

1M, dirt fast, 1:36.12, 1st by 2 1/2 lengths ch.f.3, Flatter–Maxinkuckee Miss, by Langfuhr Noteworthy siblings: None

Auctions: Keeneland September yearling 2018 – $85,000; OBS March 2019 – $250,000

Owner: Ron Paolucci Racing

Trainer: Peter Walder

Breeder: Builder’s Mart

Eighth time was a charm. No published equipment changes for this start, but she made the front and never was headed in a solid if unspectacular maiden win.

COADY PHOTOGRAPHY Casual wins a maiden race in a fast time over a sharp runner-up in Silverbella.