Undefeated in three career starts. 3-year-old New York-bred Barese returned to the worktab Friday and breezed six furlongs in 1:16.42 on the dirt training track at Belmont Park in preparation for the Wood Memorial Stakes (G2), a 100-40-20-10 qualifier for the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby.
Trained by Mike Maker, the son of Laoban has put together a perfect resume, including two stakes wins this year at Aqueduct. Barese posted a debut win sprinting five furlongs at Belmont Park in May, defeating next-out winner Bali's Shea and eventual Grade 3 With Anticipation winner Coinage.
“He has really been a nice horse. We're pointing for the Wood and are excited for the opportunity,” said David Staudacher, who owns the colt with Peter Proscia's Paradise Farms Corp., the same connections that campaign Lady Scarlet, winner Saturday of the Cicada Stakes at Aqueduct.
Barese was away from the races for eight months and made his return in Aqueduct's 6 1/2-furlong Rego Park to square off against winners for the first time. Ridden by regular rider Dylan Davis, Barese stalked the pace and rallied down the lane to pick up the first of two consecutive stakes wins.
Barese had no issue stretching out to a one-turn mile in his next outing, capturing the restricted Gander by 1 1/4 lengths to earn a career-best 87 Beyer Speed Figure and convince his connections to journey down the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Staudacher said Barese should relish going two turns in the nine-furlong Wood Memorial.
“The long work was to keep him fit for the Wood. We think with the way he finished his last race, he should be able to get the nine furlongs,” Staudacher said. “I don't think he should have a problem facing open company either. He ran a big figure last time.”
Staudacher, who co-owned graded stakes winners Aquaphobia, Ajourneytofreedom, and Special Reserve, said he is grateful for the opportunity to start a horse in the Wood Memorial.
“It's phenomenal,” said Staudacher. “It's a dream come true.”
Out of the Successful Appeal mare Right Prevails, Barese was a $150,000 2-year-old purchase at the Fasig-Tipton Florida 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale and is a full brother to stakes-placed filly Breakfastatbonnies.
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