Arm Force, a 3-year-old full brother to 2009 World Cup (UAE-I) victor Well Armed, graduated in style going seven furlongs at Gulfstream Park Feb. 26.
Making his second start for trainer Eoin Harty, 11-1 shot Arm Force was ridden to a 3 3/4-length victory by Julien Leparoux in a time of 1:23.17 on a fast track. The bay colt by Tiznow out of the Notebook mare Well Dressed was bred by WinStar Farm and is owned by Casner Racing.
During his career, WinStar's gelding Well Armed won or placed in a dozen of 24 starts and earned $5,179,803. He won the World Cup by a record 14 lengths.
Arm Force, wearing blinkers for the first time, pressed the pacesetter Spin Out while three wide. He took the lead at the top of the stretch in spite of being bumped by Spin Out, who drifted out off the turn under Corey Nakatani. Arm Force drew off through the lane under urging from Leparoux.
Quarter mile fractions were :22.46 and :45.13.
Spin Out, the 2-1 second choice, finished four lengths clear of the show horse, 74-1 shot Doyouseemecoming. Unbridled Fire, the 8-5 favorite in the field of 11 sophomores, chased the leaders in third before fading in the stretch to finish eighth.
Arm Force debuted with a fifth-place finish going seven furlongs at Gulfstream Jan. 14. He was 14 1/4 lengths behind the victorious Ecabroni.