What a Song By Emily Hufford
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In his stall at Santa Anita before his debut, What a
Song stuck out his tongue, pinned his ears, and seemed to be smiling
at stablehands passing by. The two-year-old son of Songandaprayer
had recently been purchased by Bob and Beverly Lewis for $1.9 million,
and was already attracting the attention of many who worked for trainer
Bob Baffert. "He could be any kind," came the murmurs from
several grooms and exercise riders, and assistant trainer Jim Barnes
said, "He might be the best horse we have."
What a Song would go on to break his maiden in style first time out, and then returned to win the Hollywood Juvenile Championship in a gutty effort over the super fast fellow two-year-old Bashert. He headed to Del Mar two-for-two and heavily favored to win the Best Pal Stakes. Flash forward to the paddock for the Best Pal, a grade two event for two-year-old colts. Bashert had recently fired a bullet :57.4 workout and could prove to be a tough competitor again. Newshooter Corazon- delcampeon and impressive maiden winner A.P. Warrior were also considered threats. |
A racehorse doesn't know when he's about to face a tough challenge, and What a Song certainly took no notice. He drew clear in the stretch, easily taking the race. A jubilant Victor Espinoza returned to the winner's circle laughing and smiling, but his joy was topped by the joy that raged through the press box. "Bring on the Futurity!" came the excited cries. "There's no one in California who can run with this horse!" Several people thought it would be difficult to get a field of horses to run against What a Song in the popular race in Septemner. On August 19, What a Song returned to the racetrack for a routine jog. On a cool Del Mar morning, he bounded along the track until he reached the top of the stretch, then his leg buckled, and What A Song's career and life were over. The two-year-old out of What a Knight was euthanized back at the barn, and the dreams and hopes of many were crushed in an instant. The playful colt, full of personality, left behind a legacy with those who worked with him and saw him run. |
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What A Song Wins the Best
Pal Stakes
