Wow!

I was very impressed by Grade 3 Affirmed Handicap winner Grazen. I think this one could be a star in the near future. He is trained by Mike Mitchell, and ridden by Rafael Bejarano. He is a son of the Alydar stallion Benchmark and out of a stakes placed daughter of Rubiano. Nick Alexander is the breeder/owner. The Affirmed was Alexander’s first stakes win.

The gray colt caught pressure the entire way through a half mile of :46.97, and 3/4 in 1:10.57. Despite this he drew off to an easy victory stopping the clock in 1:41.40 for the 8.5 furlong distance. Misremembered from owner/trainer Bob Baffert finished second. Quidici Man closed to finish third.

The Afirmed is the third win from four starts for Grazen. He was within himself for this win. I can only imagine how good he will be in a couple of races if he continues to improve. I’m curious as to where Mike Mitchell will go next. If he were mine I’d go for the Grade II Swaps. I feel like this is a horse who could win the Travers, but I don’t know if he will be the same on traditiona ldirt. What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let me know.