Buried in the midst of a string of bullet workouts Gold Panda's first race was an evenly run albeit wide, third-place finish, some 6 lengths behind the winner Waters Edge.
In today's sixth @ SAR he flattered Waters Edge (previous race winner). It could have been the trainer Charlton Baker didn't have Golden Panda ready in that first race but trainer stats would seem to contradict that notion.
Curiously, Fenway a Baffert Trainee and front runner hadn't yet been able to last a route race so here he was today trying to win @ 6 1/2 F. One view would have been Fenway blasting to the lead and Golden Pand running him down late or almost.
Not surprisingly Fenway did immediately go to the lead but those backing the favorite including the owners (Happy Face Stables) gasped a bit when Golden Panda went with the Baffert.
The two raced eyeball to eyeball on the sloppy track until the top of the stretch where Golden Panda looking like his sire (GoldenCents) just ran off and crushed the race.
The winner's Half-brother (Got The Gold) ran second and Forty Comets complementing his Sire (Forty Tales) got up for third The winner was no surprise as odds on 4/5 favorite.
Once again Baffert and dated ideas Cost me money!
No need to put Gold Panda on my to-watch list. It's his destiny to continue on the radar for a bit. The second and third finishers will get a second look from me. A dry track might help.
