Bob Baffert's trainee Cherokee Nation recorded the highest speed figure of 146 in maiden company at Santa Anita Park, leading a strong week for young horses in U.S. racing. Thirty-five maiden winners achieved figures of 100 or higher, with California tracks dominating the performances. The results highlight emerging talent from top sires and trainers.
The week's maiden racing produced notable results, with Cherokee Nation delivering the standout performance. This 3-year-old colt by Not This Time out of Believe in Charlie won a maiden special weight race at Santa Anita Park on Friday by 10 lengths over one mile on dirt. Trained by Bob Baffert for owners SF Racing, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stables, the horse pressed outside, dueled, and powered away under jockey Emisael Jaramillo, earning a 146 HRN speed figure in his sixth start.
Other impressive efforts followed. Illmatic, a 3-year-old by Honest Mischief, posted 117 at Aqueduct on Saturday, winning by six lengths over six furlongs in his second outing. Trained by Miguel Clement, the colt hustled to the pace and drew off strongly for jockey Jaime Rodriguez. Vex, a 4-year-old by Frosted, secured 115 at Turfway Park on Saturday, prevailing wire-to-wire by 6 1/2 lengths on synthetic over 6 1/2 furlongs in his fourth start, guided by Luan Machado for trainer Matthew P. Sims.
Biggiebiggiebiggie, another 3-year-old trained by Doug O'Neill, broke through on his ninth attempt with a 115 figure on Santa Anita's turf on Friday, kicking clear by 3 1/4 lengths. Fancy Fairlane earned 114 at Oaklawn Park on Sunday under John Velazquez for Greg Foley, stalking and then surging to victory by 4 3/4 lengths. Lincoln's Law debuted with 112 at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, recovering from a stumble to win by 2 1/2 lengths for Phil Bauer and jockey Luis Saez.
Sire Not This Time led with Cherokee Nation's mark, while McKinzie and Omaha Beach each had two runners above 100. Trainers like Doug O'Neill and Brad Cox also notched multiple strong performers, signaling depth in the maiden ranks.
