Wow! First Our Superstar won his maiden race (finally!), then The Final Roar ran second at Hollywood Park. Good week for Gerson Racing, right? Nothing could prepare us for the race Backbackbackgone would run in the Willard Proctor Stakes. After a 10 length victory at Bay Meadows, Backbackbackgone blew away the field in the Willard Proctor Stakes at Hollywood Park in stakes record time. See the video HERE.
BBBG was scheduled to make his first start at Hollywood Park three weeks ago. When he drew an inside post, trainer Peter Miller opted to scratch and try his luck up at Bay Meadows. BBBG broke slowly in his last gate drill, and Peter was concerned he would end up in the back of the pack if he broke slowly at Hollywood. When the gates opened at Bay Meadows, BBBG when right up on the lead, and when they turned for home, he ran away from the field. Official winning margin of ten lengths "ridden out".
When I saw Peter Miller at Hollywood I asked if he knew how good this horse is. "Not sure what we beat up north, but he is a nice colt" Peter replied. Well, the fans were on board. BBBG was the prohibitive 3/5 favorite right up until they loaded in the starting gate. Stalking the early pace with jockey Corey Nakatani, BBBG swung out for the drive and ran away. Four lengths back to second place and another four lengths back to third. Official time – 1.03, a new stakes record. And he did it easy…again. BBBG did not switch leads, and Corey was hand riding him all the way.
This horse is scary good. In both races he was looking around in the stretch, also known as "racing greenly". Both times the jockey got his mind on racing the last 200 yards and BBBG literally ran away from the other horses. His pedigree is obscure, and we have no idea if he can route yet (Kentucky Derby). That stated, you have to give Peter Miller full credit for picking this two year old colt out at Ocala. Also, what is up with Charleville Stables? The Abt brothers partnered with us on Set Play (winner of the Del Mar Debutante and ran in the Breeders Cup) last year, and this year they are partnered with us on BBBG. These guys have the Midas touch.
Unfortunately, BBBG came out of the race sore and will be resting on the farm for two months. We expect to see him back later in the Fall.