Godolphin homebred Coliseum entered his Nov. 17 racing debut at Del Mar with unusually high expectations for an unraced 2-year-old, and the gray son of Tapit delivered on the hype with a stunning 6¾-length victory while barely being asked for run.
Since the summer, Coliseum had strung together a series of eye-opening bullet workouts for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert. According to Thoroughbred Daily News’ Bill Finley, an off-shore bookmaker was quoting Coliseum at 20-1 for the Kentucky Derby (G1) even before the colt’s Saturday unveiling.
Piloted in the maiden special weight by jockey Joe Talamo, Coliseum led from gate to wire and completed the seven furlongs in 1:23.13 – 0.38 seconds quicker than the Bob Hope Stakes (G3) later on the card.
Coliseum was named a ‘TDN Rising Star’ and earned a 91 Beyer Speed Figure for his debut.
Godolphin bred Coliseum in Kentucky from the Grade 1-winning Menifee mare Game Face.