Baffert, Awesome Patriot win Santa Anita feature
December 29, 2010ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) - Awesome Patriot won the $51,520 allowance feature at Santa Anita on Wednesday, giving trainer Bob Baffert another promising 2-year-old as he looks to win his fourth Kentucky Derby next year.
The heavy favorite in a field of just three colts after rain spurred three scratches, Awesome Patriot and jockey Rafael Bejarano dueled with Riveting Reason for most of the race then emerged on the rail in the final yards for a half-length victory, covering a mile in 1:35.05.
The winner paid $3.40. There was no place or show wagering because of the small field.
Baffert scored impressive maiden wins with 2-year-olds The Factor and Uncle Sam in the first two days of the Santa Anita meet this week, giving the trainer several Triple Crown prospects.
Awesome Patriot, purchased as a yearling for $350,000, was taking two turns for the first time in his second victory in four starts. He earned $33,600, taking his career total to $69,500.