Good Magic Colt Has Last Word in Spa Debut

This column highlights the performances of 2-year-old maidens who have made no more than five starts and who either sold for more than $500,000 at public auction, have siblings that are graded/group winners, or have dams that are graded/group winners. BloodHorse research shows maiden winners, in particular, who meet these criteria are more likely to go on to be graded stakes winners.

Saratoga Race Course

Talkin proved best among a high-priced group of juveniles on closing weekend at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 30. 

Although he zipped through a bullet half-mile in :47 Aug. 23 at the Spa for trainer Danny Gargan, Talkin was dismissed at 9-1 odds in a field that included four $500,000+ horses. Talkin, a son of Good Magic  out of the Tiznow mare Rote, was no bargain himself in the auction ring and dropped the hammer for $600,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. 

The partnership of Jones, Everett, Reeves, Vekoma, Belmar, Pine, and Legendary teamed up to sign the ticket on the colt and aboard the ride for Talkin's burgeoning race career. 

First from the gate in the seven-furlong maiden special weight, Talkin settled four-wide behind an opening quarter in :22.37 as the favored Stradale paved the way. Dropping down closer to the fence, Talkin saved ground and saved plenty in the tank for his battle to come. Angled into the clear turning for home, the bay reeled in the runaway Stradale and eyeballed the $1.3 million colt to the wire. Switching leads back and forth greenly in the final sixteenth, Talkin wouldn't be derailed, thrusting a neck in front of his rival at the wire. 
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Ridden by Kendrick Carmouche, Talkin stopped the timer in 1:23.63 over a fast main track. 

Talkin is the sixth winner for Rote, whose grade-2 placed Tapit  filly, Royal Obsession, produced this year's dazzling Indiana Oaks (G3) winner Clicquot (Quality Road ). Rote is a half sister to 2006 Garden City Breeders' Cup Stakes (G1) victress Magnificent Song.