The Great One Romps in Santa Anita Maiden Race

Coming off a nose defeat when second in the Dec. 19 Los Alamitos Futurity (G2), The Great One exploded against maiden special weight rivals for a 14-length score in second race Jan. 23 at Santa Anita Park. Ridden by Abel Cedillo, the son of 2016 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner Nyquist sped a mile in 1:37.28, a time more than three seconds faster than the day's fourth race, a starter optional claiming race for 3-year-old fillies. He pressed debuting favorite Fenway, dispatched him, and won handily over runner-up Affable. "When we made the lead at the top of the stretch, that was pretty amazing," said Cedillo. "This horse has gears. Anytime you want one, you got it. The way he won today, he's a top horse, no doubt about it." The victory was the first in five starts for the improving colt, who Doug O'Neill trains for owners ERJ Racing, Train Wreck Al Racing Stables, Niall Brennan, Tom Fritz, and William Straus. Bred in Louisiana by Coteau Grove Farms, The Great One ($5.20) is the lone winner from three foals out of the stakes-winning El Corredor mare Little Ms Protocol. He was a $185,000 purchase last year by bloodstock agent Dennis O'Neill, the trainer's brother, from the Niall Brennan consignment at the Ocala Breeders' Sales' July 2-Year-Olds & Horses of Racing Age Sale.