While Arnold Zetcher’s Spring Moon (f, 2, Zensational) stamped herself as an exciting prospect for the upcoming juvenile stakes races courtesy her powerful four-length debut win at Del Mar July 21 (video), several of the also-rans from that salty heat have plenty of potential as well.
Assigned the dreaded one hole, West Point firster Tacit Approval (Tapit) ran a good one to hold the second slot after chasing the winner throughout. Hustled by Victor Espinoza to keep up in second through an opening quarter in :22.89, the 5-1 chance was guided to the outside as she took a run at the leader on the turn for home, and while proving no match, Tacit Approval stayed on gamely to hold her position by a half-length despite switching to her left lead down the lane. Produced by the talented racemare Punch Appeal (Successful Appeal)--heroine of the Delta Princess S. and Pocahontas S.--the bay brought $320,000 at the Barretts March Sale. Tacit Approval is trained by Craig Dollase.
The well-bred Fascinating (Smart Strike), a $1.3-million KEESEP yearling purchase, also showed plenty of promise while finishing a close third in her unveiling. Sent off at 7-2, the half-sister to GI Arkansas Derby hero and GI Kentucky Derby/GI Preakness S. runner-up Bodemeister (Empire Maker) broke well from her outside draw and chased from third. Sent three-wide into the stretch, Fascinating was re-guided to the inside of Tacit Approval and ran on well to narrowly outkick 6-5 chalk Southern Sunshine (High Cotton) for show honors. The Bruce Lunsford and Hill ‘n’ Dale colorbearer is trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert.
Richard Pell’s Southern Sunshine, meanwhile, should certainly benefit with that run under her belt. Conditioned by defending Del Mar leading trainer Peter Miller, the $340,000 OBSMAR graduate was bumped hard at the break and recovered nicely to settle in sixth. The half-sister to Den’s Legacy (Medaglia d’Oro), GSW & GISP, $405,600, began to make her move from the back as they straightened for home. With Joe Talamo aboard, Southern Sunshine swung wide into the stretch, and finished with interest to come within 4 3/4 lengths of the victress.
Satirical (Distorted Humor), produced by a half-sister to champion Funny Cide, was a late scratch after running off during the post parade. The $420,000 KEESEP yearling purchase is trained by Richard Mandella.
The final time for the 5 1/2-furlong contest over the Polytrack was 1:04.31. Spring Moon, also trained by Baffert, earned a 70 Beyer Speed Figure for the victory. She returned a generous $13.80 to win.
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