American Pastime, the promising 3-year-old Tapizar colt who earned “TDN Rising Star” status for his 4½-length debut victory March 11, returned to the Santa Anita winner’s circle June 11 after a similarly impressive allowance score.
Breaking alertly under jockey Kent Desormeaux in the six-furlong event, the 6-5 favorite American Pastime vied for the early lead before taking command through a half-mile in :44.31. The dark bay or brown colt withstood a late challenge from Lazaro Barrera Stakes (G3) runner-up Kimbear to cross the wire 1½ lengths clear in a rapid 1:09.15 (VIDEO).
American Pastime received a 94 Beyer Speed Figure for the performance, an improvement upon the 91 he earned on debut and the 92 earned in a May 13 runner-up effort against older allowance horses.
Trainer Bob Hess Jr. will now point American Pastime to the Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (formerly King’s Bishop Stakes) on Travers Day, Aug. 26, at Saratoga Race Course.
Bred in Kentucky by Glendalough LLC out of the Valid Expectations mare Ryan’s Inheritance, American Pastime was picked up by his trainer for $135,000 at the 2015 Keeneland September yearling sale for owners Judith Huarte, Bert Lane, Mike Mowrey, Jan Steeper, and Gary Woods.