All downhill for Desert Code in the Baldwin

All downhill for Desert Code in the Baldwin

After sitting comfortably off a very fast pace, DESERT CODE (E Dubai) drew off in

midstretch to win Saturday's $106,600

Baldwin S. (G3)

on the downhill turf at Santa Anita. The 4-5 favorite did not

disappoint, returning $3.60, $2.40 and $2.10 while winning his first try in graded

stakes company for owner Tarabilla Farms.

The five-horse field broke well, with Spanish Influence (Petionville) briefly

putting his head in front. Newsworthy (Mr. Greeley) then took the lead,

scorching the grass in :21 and :43, at which point only four lengths separated the field. At the top of the stretch, Spanish Influence had regained

the lead, and Bitter Bill (Cobra King) was advancing into contention, but

Desert Code had them measured. Under a confident ride from Richard Migliore,

Desert Code accelerated impressively and drew off to win by 1 3/4

lengths. He finished the about 6 1/2-furlong dash on the firm turf in 1:11 4/5.

"This is a really neat horse," Migliore said. "He's an athlete, and he's made

for that hill. He'll go to his left lead, then his right lead and back again,

whenever he needs to. When he hits the front, he idles a bit, and he did it

again today about 70 yards from the wire when he lost his company. When I put my

stick down, his head came up and he wanted to wait on the other horses. He's

just a really nice horse."

"This horse is the coolest horse," trainer David Hofmans said. "Nothing seems to bother him. The dirt

course here is a little hard for him, but the Cushion Track (at Hollywood Park)

really helped this horse develop the way he has. I think he found a home on this

turf course."

The 9-2 Bitter Bill grabbed second to pay $3.80 and $2.40 to his backers

and complete a $4.60 exacta ($1). Vaunt (GB) (Averti) closed from last to secure

third, a half-length behind Bitter Bill, and gave back $2.40 at 9-2. Newsworthy

and Spanish Influence completed the order under the wire.

Desert Code advanced his line to 6-3-1-0 with $132,650 in earnings. In

his only other stakes attempt, the chestnut sophomore finished fourth in the San

Miguel S. He was exiting a smart two-length allowance victory at this course and

distance.

Bred by Classicstar in Kentucky, Desert Code was sold for $150,000 as a

Keeneland September yearling. He is out of

the stakes-winning Chatta Code (Lost Code), making him a half-brother to stakes

queen Soul Onarazorsedge (Carson City) and to Forest

Code (Forestry), who was second in last Saturday's Flower Girl H. on the

downhill turf.