BAFFLE ME, a 2-year-old filly from the second crop of FIRST SAMURAI, won her career debut by taking this 5 1/2-furlong Maiden Special Weight at Monmouth Park on July 10. After bobbling at the start and settling near the back early, this $130,000 Keeneland 2010 September sales graduate swung out four wide for the drive and closed gamely to win by 3/4 length. Bred in Kentucky by The Peter J. Callahan Revocable Trust, BAFFLE ME is raced by Lee Lewis and trained by Mark A. Hennig.
NORTHERN PASSION, a 2-year-old filly by FIRST SAMURAI, showed she has a passion for winning by taking this 5 1/2-furlong Maiden Special Weight at Woodbine on July 9 in her racing debut. Allowed to race off the pace, this $220,000 OBS March 2011 sales graduate rallied along the rail through a narrowing opening, then drove clear in the final furlong to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Bred in Ontario, Canada by Mel P. Lawson, this FIRST SAMURAI filly was purchased and races for John C. Oxley. Mark Casse, as agent and current trainer, signed the ticket after she impressed her connections by working :10 flat, the second fastest time for 1/8 mile, in the under-tack preview.