Set to make his debut Saturday for trainer John Sadler is Nuclear, a colt by 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify who commanded $1.55 million at the 2021 Keeneland September yearling sale.
Nuclear will face nine rivals in a six-furlong maiden special weight on turf at Santa Anita Park, which goes as the final race on a 10-race card. For his debut, the high-priced auction buy has lured Santa Anita leading rider Juan Hernandez.
Nuclear has been working at Santa Anita since early December and most recently has reeled off four straight five-furlong drills, which includes a five furlong move in 1:00 on Jan. 28 that was the third fastest of 62 works at the distance. Last summer, Nuclear had been in training at Del Mar but Sadler was forced to back off the colt due to what he said were shin issues.
“You can tell by his price tag we're anxious to get him going,” Sadler said. “We decided to start him on grass because of the way he's trained. The way he moves, I thought the turf was the way to get started, but he looks like a good prospect.”
Nuclear is owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, Talla Racing and Stonehaven Steadings. He is out of the Latent Heat mare True Feelings, who was graded-stakes placed as a 2-year-old at Saratoga in 2011. True Feelings has also produced stakes winner Feeling Mischief, graded-stakes placed Royal Act and six-figure earner Forge ($227,761).
“He'll probably be better going long second time, but he still has a chance first start,” Sadler said.
Nuclear's debut is scheduled for approximately 5 p.m. on Saturday.
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