Richard’s Kid gets easy Pacific Classic prep in Cougar II

Richard’s Kid gets easy Pacific Classic prep in Cougar
II

Richard’s Kid won the Cougar II in his third try and will now seek an unprecedented third victory in the Pacific Classic (Benoit Photos) Zabeel Racing International’s Richard’s Kid outclassed five opponents Friday evening at Del Mar with a come-from-behind triumph in the Grade 3, $100,000 Cougar II Handicap. Richard’s Kid rebounded from prior losses in the Cougar II in 2009-10 to capture the Grade 1 Pacific Classic both years, and will now seek an unprecedented third win in the August 26 renewal of that $1 million, 1 1/4-mile race. “We knew he was a good horse and he loves this track and he had worked really good over it,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “He had them over a barrel today; he’s got so much class and he just loves this surface (Polytrack) as we all know. “(Jockey) Rafael (Bejarano) came back and said ‘He had a nice workout.’ The Pacific Classic is next.” Rating on or near the back of the pack, but within striking range, throughout the 1 1/2-mile journey, Richard’s Kid saved ground to the final turn when he shifted out three-wide to make his bid. Catching Worth Repeating inside the eighth pole, Richard’s Kid drew off to win by 1 1/2 lengths in a final time of 2:29.22, which beat the old track mark by .17 seconds. He paid $2.80, $2.40 and $2.10 as the 2-5 favorite.

Worth Repeating, the 12-1 third choice, had 3 3/4 lengths on Balladry at the
finish. Those two were followed by Dynamic Host, Fly Lexis Fly and Romp.

Bred in Maryland by Fitzhugh LLC, which campaigned the seven-year-old earlier
in his career, Richard’s Kid’s most significant win for his breeder came in the
2009 John B. Campbell Handicap at Laurel. After being sold privately to Zabeel
later that year, Richard’s Kid upset the Pacific Classic at 24-1 and also placed
in the Grade 1 Goodwood and Cougar II.

Richard’s Kid enjoyed his best season to
date in 2010, repeating in the Pacific Classic and also winning the Goodwood and
Grade 2 San Antonio Handicap. He also placed in the Grade 1 Hollywood Gold Cup
and Cougar II.

Richard’s Kid spent all of 2011 and the early part of 2012 racing in Dubai,
but finished up the track in all five appearances. It was announced afterward
that he would rejoin the Baffert stable in Southern California.

“It was almost like a bonus for me after I had my heart attack (days before
the Group 1 Dubai World Cup on March 31) when they told me I was getting
Richard’s Kid back,” Baffert said. “I got saved (his own life) and I got
Richard’s Kid, so something good came out of it.”

Prior to the Cougar II, Richard’s Kid won the 1 3/8-mile Prove It at
Hollywood Park by 7 1/4 lengths, and then was a sharp second to stablemate Game
on Dude in the Hollywood Gold Cup.

A son of Lemon Drop Kid, Richard’s Kid was produced by the multiple
stakes-winning Broad Brush mare Tough Broad. His record now stands at 35-11-3-7,
$1,986,385.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at
TwinSpires.com