Odds-on favorite The Pamplemousse (Kafwain-Comfort Zone, by Rubiano) looked every bit the part with a gate-to-wire score in the Sham Stakes yesterday.
The hulking colt got off to a smooth start despite his size, went slightly wide around the first turn and took the lead quickly, setting honest fractions of :23.08, :46.51 and 1:10.29. Take The Points (Tiznow-Sweet Damsel, by Turkoman) sat in second throughout, but never drew closer than a length. At the top of the stretch, The Pamplemousse rebroke and came home under hand urging from Alex Solis to hit the wire better than five in front. He ran a mile in 1:05.09 and finished up in 1:47.86.
This horse is the real deal. Loved how he looked stretching out to nine furlongs for the first time, especially the way he kicked into a new gear at the top of the lane; he doesn't look like just a sprinter with that beautiful long stride. Seems like he's grown into himself and is continuing to mature; will have plenty more seasoning, as it seems he's on target for the Santa Anita Derby, giving him a conventional three preps before the big dance. Question now is if he can transfer his form to conventional dirt.
Take The Points checked in second. Mr. Hot Stuff (Tiznow-Sweet Damsel, by Turkoman), a full brother to Santa Anita Derby and Travers winner Colonel John, was seventh turning for home and made up nearly ten lengths to finish third. Very nice effort by both of these colts. Take The Points is quietly developing into a very good consistent three-year-old; those can be dangerous at this time of year, when wacky paces and inexperienced horses can cause races to fall apart. They have to be pleased with the decision to scratch out of the Fountain of Youth and run here. Meanwhile, Mr. Hot Stuff took another nice step forward in his first try against stakes company. Would like to see how he continues to progress.
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