Havnameltdown

Havnameltdown led every step of the way in his career debut, opening a clear early lead July 24, 2022, at Del Mar and driving to a 2 ¼-length victory. Stepping up in class for the $200,000 Belt Pal Stakes at Del Mar Aug. 14, the bay Uncaptured colt again set the pace and dominated in a 2 ½-length win in the Grade 3 race for 2-year-olds.

Havnameltdown made his next start in the Grade 1 Runhappy Del Mar Futurity Sept. 11 but could not match strides in the stretch with stablemate Cave Rock, who surged away to a dominant win in a stakes-record time of 1:20.99. Havnameltdown finished a clear second.

Trainer Bob Baffert brought Havnameltdown back in the Bob Hope Stakes at Del Mar on Nov. 20. He was forced out early but regained a good rhythm and took over in the turn, holding stablemate Newgate at bay by 1 ¼-lengths in the seven-furlong Bob Hope.

The colt made his 3-year-old debut in the seven-furlong San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita Park on Jan. 29. Facing only three opponents, including two stablemates, Havnameltdown assumed command early and had plenty in reserve to hold off Faustin in the stretch, taking San Vicente by 1 ½ lengths.

Following the San Vicente, trainer Bob Baferrt indicated Havnameltown would be pointed toward sprints and one turn races and not toward the Triple Crown trail. Havnameltdown was pointed for the $1.5 million Group 3 Saudi Derby run at one mile on the Saudi Cup undrcard at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sent off as the favorite in a field of 13, Havnameltdown went right to the front and tried to go wire-to-wire until he was hooked turning for home. The leading pair pair battled nose and nose through the entire stretch run while far ahead of the others until Havnameltdown had to settle for second by a head on the wire.

Havnameltdown is out of the winning Put It Back mare Ashley’s Babe, a half-sister (same dam [mother], different sire [father]) to three stakes winners.