2/2/15
Last updated: 2/1/15 3:01 PM
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The Great War never got out of second gear
(Turfway Park/Coady Photography) |
Classy repatriate The Great War (War Front) bombarded his foes into
submission in Saturday night’s $69,345
96Rock S.
at Turfway Park, beginning his new association with trainer Wesley Ward on a
sensational note. Transferred from Aidan O’Brien after a fourth in the November
1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), the 1-10 favorite ran up to billing in a 7
1/4-length victory. The Triple Crown nominee is expected to continue his tour of
Turfway in the next two preps, the February 28 John Battaglia Memorial and March
21 Spiral (G3).
The Great War was shortening up to 6 1/2 furlongs here, but the $1 million
Keeneland September yearling had too much firepower for his overmatched
opponents. Breaking alertly for Albin Jimenez, the well-bred bay matched strides
with pacesetter Serious Talk (Forestry) through splits of :23 and :46 1/5 on the
Polytrack. The Great War was winging along more easily, however, and when
Jimenez took a peek back, the result was not in doubt. Leaving Serious Talk
toiling in a matter of strides, the heavy favorite opened up while still under
wraps and coasted home in 1:18 3/5.
Two Step Temper (Two Step Salsa) rallied from well back for second, seven
lengths clear of Serious Talk, his stablemate from the Mike Maker barn. Ekati
Told Me (Tale of Ekati) finished fourth in the 11-horse field.
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Campaigned by Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier and Joseph
Allen, The Great War has now bankrolled $248,856 from his 9-4-1-0 line. He
concluded his European career with a 3 1/2-length decision in the September 28
Blenheim S. at the Curragh. Stretching out past a sprint and trying dirt in the
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, he stayed on creditably for fourth after racing close to
the pace meltdown.
The Great War was bred in Kentucky by Claiborne Farm. He is a close relative
of multiple Grade 2-winning millionaire Departing — both are by War Front and
out of full sisters. The Great War’s dam is the winning Guide (Pulpit), and
Departing’s dam is Leave. Both mares are also full siblings to multiple stakes
scorer Laity. Their half-siblings include multiple Grade 3 queen Trip (Lord at
War), the dam of stakes winner Passport (Pulpit), and multiple stakes victress
Joke (Phone Trick), who produced multiple Grade 1-winning sprinter Zensational (Unbridled’s
Song).
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