Gainesway’s young stallion Tapizar has had quite a good run of late, siring five winners in eight days. The most exciting of these might have been American Pastime, whose brilliant debut March 11 at Santa Anita Park earned “TDN Rising Star” designation and a 91 Beyer Speed Figure (VIDEO).
Bet down to 3-1 favoritism from 9/2 on the morning line against a dozen other 3-year-olds, American Pastime broke sharply under jockey Kent Desormeaux to duel through an opening quarter in 21.61 and half-mile in 44.64 before kicking clear by 4½ lengths, crossing the wire in a quick 1:09.00 for six furlongs.
Trained by Bob Hess Jr. for owners Judith Huarte, Bert Lane, Mike Mowrey, Jan Steeper, and Gary Woods, the $135,000 Keeneland September purchase had recorded a bullet six-furlong gate move in 1:11.80 Feb. 25 and a bullet 47.60 half-mile March 5 leading up to his unveiling.
Out of the Valid Expectations mare Ryan’s Expectations, American Pastime was bred in Kentucky by Pat Waresk and Ralph Ebert’s Glendalough.
Tapizar’s week of winners began with Greek Prince in an allowance optional claimer at Laurel March 4, followed by maiden winners Zargaux at Sam Houston, Untimed Play at Fair Grounds, and The Hero Within at Aqueduct.
Waiting in the on-deck circle for his chance to add to Tapizar’s first-crop success is the colt Hollywood Handsome, who is scheduled to contest the April 1 Louisiana Derby (G2) for owner Mark Stanley and trainer Dallas Stewart.