Notacatbutallama showed his affinity for the turf yet again on Nov. 23 as the 2-year-old Harlan’s Holiday colt drew off to a 3 1/2-length victory in the $80,000 Super Mario S. at Aqueduct. A little less than a month ago the bay juvenile took the $85,000 Incurable Optimist S. over the Belmont Park lawn.
Harlan’s Holiday is far and away the leading sire of 2-year-olds in 2012, with progeny earnings of $2,614,938 through Thanksgiving day, more than $400,000 than his closest pursuer. Leading the way for the WinStar stallion in probably 2-year-old champion colt Shanghai Bobby, undefeated winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and Champagne S. (G1).
Notacatbutallama was well-held in fourth by John Velazquez for the better part of six furlongs, then emerged between foes after entering the final straight. Leaving his competition to fight for the minor placings, Notacatbutallama pulled away late to stop the timer in 1:44.31 on the firm turf.
The winner is owned by Repole Stable, who bought him for $105,000 at this April’s OBS Spring 2-year-old sale. The bay colt is out of the stakes-placed mare Self Rising. With his $48,000 winner’s share of the Super Mario, Notacatbutallama has now earned $191,000, with a mark of 3-2-0.
