“Volatile looks sharp in victory!” was the call from the commentary box as the Phoenix Thoroughbreds and Three Chimneys Farm owned runner crossed under the wire in front at Churchill Downs on Sunday.
The Son of Violence took his record to two wins in three starts with, what turned out to be, a comfortable success at the Kentucky track. Fresh from their Breeders’ Cup success with Mitole, Steve Asmussen and Jockey Ricardo Santana Junior once again teamed to provide more success to the partnership owners.
Santana Junior always looked confident in the saddle as he allowed his mount to travel three to four lengths off the lead throughout most of the six-furlong journey. That confidence seemed justified as Volatile moved powerfully through the turn on the outside of the pacesetters. As Santana Junior made his move to win the race, nearest rival Easy Shot threatened to knuckle down and make a race of it. With a furlong to go, with the pair clear of the rest, Volatile pulled out a bit extra to win by a comfortable three lengths. (Replay here)
A graduate of the Keenland September Sales of 2017 the colt is out of winning Unbridled’s Song mare Melody Lady and is a full sister to winner Buy Sell Hold. He also come from the family of Multiple-Grade One winner Lady Tak, with his page awash with black-type winners.