Maybe Taylor Swift was wrong.
Her song “Getaway Car” begins with the statement: “No, nothing good starts in a getaway car.” But the colt named after the song could change her mind. And with further starts like the Best Pal Stakes (G3) on August 11 in Del MarPerhaps Getaway car will have hordes of admirers singing his praises in the streets.
The 2-year-old son of Curlin stormed out of the starting gate and made short work of the other three runners in his line to win by 5 1/2 lengths.
“It’s a cool name because that’s how he runs,” said coach Bob Baffert. “He just gets away with it. He walks; he’s got a lot of natural speed. He’s got a beautiful way of moving. His debut here was very impressive and today was very impressive.”
“He was bred for long distances, so he should get better with age.”
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Owned by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert Masterson, Tom Ryan, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan, the dark bay colt improved to 2-0-0 after two starts. He won his first race at the same track in similar fashion from start to finish, crossing the finish line 3 1/4 lengths ahead of his nearest competitor. He earned $135,000.
Juan Hernandez, who started the day with a comfortable lead as the best driver of the Del Mar meeting, Getaway car posted split times of :22.20, :45.77 and :57.77. He completed the six furlongs in 1:10.73.
Mischief River , White sand And Tiz happy rounded out the finish order. Getaway Car paid $2.60 for a $2 winning ticket.
Baffert said the $300,000 Del Mar Futurity (G1) on Sept. 8 is the next target for his pupil, and he may return to Del Mar for the Breeders’ Cup in November.
“When the Futurity race comes around, that’s the next logical place for him if all goes well,” Baffert said. “We want to get a few more between now and (Breeders’ Cup).”
Bred in Kentucky by Blue Heaven Farm and Curlin Syndicate, Getaway Car has appeared in the sale ring twice, most recently being purchased by SF Bloodstock, Starlight Racing and Madaket Stables for $700,000 from the Gainesway consignment at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The year before, he was purchased by FMQ Stables at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale from the Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency consignment for $300,000.
Getaway Car is out of the Morning Line mare Surrender Now. Curlin completed the 2024 season for $250,000 at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms near Paris, Kentucky.
