The first 2-year-old race of 2012 in New York went to a sharp-looking Harlan’s Holiday colt April 19 at Aqueduct as Shanghai Bobby unleashed a powerful stretch run to win by a widening four lengths.
Shanghai Bobby was sent off the 6-5 favorite off some solid works and pre-race buzz for the dark bay colt. After a little trouble at the break, he went four wide around the turn and into the stretch to take aim on the leaders. The Starlight Racing colorbearer remained in the center of the track as took over the lead in the final sixteenth and hit the wire in :51.95 for the 4 1/2-furlongs, just .35 of a second off the track record.
Bred in Kentucky by Stonehaven Steadings, Shanghai Bobby sold to Starlight for $105,000 at the 2011 Keeneland September yearling sale. He is the first foal out of the stakes-winning mare Steelin’ and from the same family as City Band, winner of the Grade 1 Oak Leaf S. and Grade 3 Golden Rod S. at two.
With seven stakes horses in 2012, Harlan’s Holiday is in the top 20 on the General Sire List with over $1.5 million in progeny earnings. His leading earner of the year is Summer Applause, winner of the Grade 3 Rachel Alexandra S. and a leading contender for the May 4 Kentucky Oaks (G1).
