Baffert kicks off Breeders’ Cup 2011 with Juvenile Sprint victory

Secret Circle ran to his 2-5 odds to give Bob Baffert his eighth career victory with a comfortable one-length win in the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint.

Despite bumping soundly with Shumoos at the start, Secret Circle was right on the pace form the outset. He took over the top spot going into the turn. After zipping a half-mile in :44.55, the big favorite opened up by three lengths in mid-stretch before gearing down late under Rafael Bejarano. The 2-year-old son of Eddington ran the six furlongs in 1:10.52.

Secret Circle is owned by Karl Watson, Mike Pegram and Paul Weitman. Their colt is now undefeated in three starts, earning $348,990. After breaking his maiden at Del Mar in July, he won the $71,000 Goodman S. by 5 1/4-lengths at Santa Anita last month.

“With as quick as he went, he was traveling nice. He looked like he wasn’t going that fast. He’s just extremely gifted and talented,” said Baffert.

Baffert didn’t say where his colt would run next but noted Secret Circle will eventually get the opportunity to stretch his speed beyond the sprints he’s been trying.

“Down the road we’ll give him his chance,” he said.