Interesting quotes from Dollase on his expensive first-time starter today

DiscreetCatDiscreetCat Moderator
edited December 2010 in Horse Racing Forum
from Daily Racing Form:

It’s easy to understand the excitement surrounding the first-time starter Grip Hands, who runs in Sunday’s third race, a six-furlong maiden race.

The colt, purchased for a hefty $500,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Florida sale of 2-year-olds in training earlier this year, has worked quickly for his debut and has exceptional breeding. He is by top sire Giant’s Causeway and is out of Smok’n Frolic, an eight-time stakes winner and millionaire earlier in this century.

“He’s a nice colt, and it looks like a good spot for us,” trainer Craig Dollase said. “We’re looking to stretch him out, but this is a good place to start.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins,” Dollase said.

Dollase trains Grip Hands for the West Point Thoroughbreds partnership. The colt has worked steadily since late September, including a half-mile in 47 seconds from the gate Wednesday, the fastest of 36 recorded works at the distance.

Grip Hands is part of a field of six that features four first-time starters. Trainer John Sadler starts Seeking Solace who is by Seeking the Gold, Gary Mandella starts the Indian Charlie colt Stock Option, and Bob Baffert starts Tokubetsu, a colt by Congaree who has recorded quick works in recent weeks.

Comments

  • DiscreetCatDiscreetCat Moderator
    edited December 2010
    FWIW, the Baffert colt by Congaree (Tokubetsu) tied for the fastest drill at the March Ocala sale (10.1).

    Grip Hands, meanwhile, worked a furlong in 10.3 @ the Fasig-Tipton sale, two ticks off the show's best. Obviously he was very highly-regarded at the sale regardless, bringing a cool half-million, but this Congaree colt could give him a battle here.
  • John GreenhawJohn Greenhaw Senior Member
    edited December 2010
    As you are aware, Bob Baffert is sitting on 1,999 wins, obviously going for the magic number of 2,000 wins. An interesting horse in the 3rd is Free Pourin, son of Roman Ruler tanked at first start at Fairplex, but been firing bullets since. Not part of a Baffert entry but can be expected to improve 2nd start. I am going to include him in a tri box with your picks, Grip Hand and Tokubetsu.
  • FlyinLateFlyinLate Senior Member
    edited December 2010
    Also adding toward that, it is interesting note Talamo aboard the #1 as opposed to Tokubetsu. With the absence of Garcia, Talamo has been getting the top mounts for Baffert. Sometimes these mean little, could just be owner's push for Bejarano or Pelgran having first call being a more prominent owner, but worth noting.
  • John GreenhawJohn Greenhaw Senior Member
    edited December 2010
    good point FL

    The Baffert horses got a jump on the rest and finished 1 & 2. #1 Free Pourin out finished the #5 Tokubetsu .
    the #4 Grip Hand was not a factor and fell back to finish a distant 5th.

    I guess Baffert was ready to get the ceremonial crap over with early. You know how he hates the publicity. LOL
  • DiscreetCatDiscreetCat Moderator
    edited December 2010
    Nice run by Tokubetsu. Just couldn't get past the other Baffert (nice insight on the Talamo angle, btw).
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