Mucho Leads Short, But Sweet Bay Shore Field

[Wandering Eyes]

Saturday’s GIII Bay Shore S. at Aqueduct attracted just a handful of runners, but they are a strong group headed by ‘TDN Rising Star’ Mucho (Blame). Graduating by a dazzling 9 3/4 lengths second time out at Saratoga Aug. 4, the bay checked in a close second to the re-opposing Mind Control (Stay Thirsty) in the GI Hopeful S. Sept. 3 and was subsequently sidelined by an ankle issue. He returned a winner at Gulfstream with a good-looking score in a six-panel optional claimer Mar. 1.

Following his top-level victory, Mind Control rallied to be seventh in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile after bobbling at the start Nov. 2 at Churchill Downs. Returning to winning ways in the one-mile Jerome S. at Aqueduct on New Year’s Day, the bay closed strongly for second behind GII Wood Memorial S.-bound Haikal (Daaher) last time in the GIII Gotham S., also at a mile, Mar. 9.

“We really gave the Wood some considerable thought,” trainer Greg Sacco told the NYRA notes team. “After speaking with our owners, we ultimately opted to enter the Bay Shore because we’re confident with his ability going one-turn and having the opportunity to not only run in a graded stakes at seven furlongs here, but also using this as prep to have the chance to get another Grade I with him in the Woody Stephens.”

Bob Baffert can never be ignored and his horse Much Better (Pioneerof the Nile) is one of the most experienced in the field. Stakes-placed on turf as a juvenile, the dark bay was third in the GIII Sham S. Jan. 5 and returned to winning ways in a Feb. 9 optional claimer going 6 1/2 panels at Santa Anita. Running off on a loose lead in the Gotham, he faded to fourth after setting very swift early fractions.

“Initially, we took our shot in the Gotham to see if we could pick up any [Kentucky] Derby points and I thought he gave a gutsy effort,” said Baffert. “We kept him in New York where he’s put in three really good works. We think the cutback should benefit him and he’s already won twice sprinting, so he should be right there in the mix.”

Call Paul (Friesian Fire) is two-for-two at the Bay Shore’s seven-panel distance, capturing the Pennsylvania Nursery S. Dec. 1 and the GIII Swale S. last time Feb. 2. Winner of the GII Saratoga Special S. last term, his only losses came when extended to a mile for the GI Champagne S. in October and the GIII Nashua S. in November.

 

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