Bob Baffert's Secret Circle with Rafael Bejarano in the irons captured the inaugural running of the $500,000 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint for Mike Pegram by a length over Garrett Gomez and Shumoos on Breeders' Cup Friday at historic Churchill Downs.
The bay Eddington colt covered six furlongs on a good Main Track in 1:10.52 after blazing fractions of 20.96, 44.55, and 56.99 and held off a charge from the Brian Meehan-trained filly.
Baffert praised his colt.
"He's just a very gifted horse; he has unbelievable speed," said Baffert. "I feel good about it, because he came off the plane and won here."
Bejarano agreed, stating, "He acted like he was much the best in the race, and he proved that."
There is some speculation that Secret Circle might be considered for longer races, which could eventually mean a return trip to Louisville in May.
"I think he'll be able to go two turns," said Bejarano. "This horse is getting experience and learning. When you send him, he can go really fast, but he can come from behind too."
For the victory, Secret Circle returned $2.80, $2.40 and $2.10 to backers, which tied the second lowest payout in Breeders' Cup history. Shumoos paid $8.20 and $5.60, with Holdin Bullets paying $6.20 to show.
