Paynes Prairie Primed for Best Pal

Paynes Prairie (Tale of Ekati), purchased privately after breaking his maiden for Norma McKathan and trainer Steve Asmussen at Belmont Park July 4, looks set to make his debut for Jack McShayne and trainer Mike Pender in the Aug. 8 GII Best Pal S. A debut second at Churchill Downs May 23, Paynes Prairie was runner-up, beaten a half-length, by Cocked and Loaded (Colonel John) in the June 5 Tremont S. before breaking his maiden by 3 1/2 lengths going five furlongs last time out (video).

“The horse really impressed me in his three races,” Pender said. “For him to run in a stakes in his second start, moving from Churchill Downs to the Big Sandy, Belmont Park, in two weeks and from a maiden race to a stakes in two weeks. Not a lot of horses can make that transition. Everybody knows that Belmont Park, with its sand base, is one of the most tiring tracks in the country. And he handled it with aplomb. Then when I watched him break his maiden with ease, I knew I had to have him. There aren't a lot of good 2-year-olds for sale. When you've got one, you hold on tight. But they were willing to sell and we were willing to buy.”

Shipped to Pender's Del Mar barn July 24, Paynes Prairie worked four furlongs last Wednesday in :48.20.