He never tried a distance beyond seven furlongs. But he never had to with his talent for sprinting.

He never ventured out of Southern California. But that suited him just fine as he defeated horses at the highest levels at all three of the circuit's major racetracks.

He never made the early lead after the bell rang. But there was no need, for he shined as a potent closer.

And under the master horsemanship of venerable trainer Bruce Headley, this colt with a shiny chestnut coat made his mark on the Southland during the 2008 season.

But the tale of Street Boss began a year earlier. In four starts in 2007, this Street Cry offspring made four starts, all with noted rider Alex Solis aboard. The opening double happened at Del Mar, where he won on debut in impressive fashion before placing second in his first try against winners. Establishing himself as a closer from the start, he rallied with aplomb for the diploma before doing the same when placing next time out.

The last half of Street Boss's maiden season came at the Oak Tree meet at Santa Anita, both of which resulted in off the board finishes. But that brief period of his career ultimately represented nothing but a blip on the radar.

To paraphrase Tony Bennett, the best was yet to come for Street Boss. And the start of it came at Santa Anita. The colt enjoyed a fantastic meet in Arcadia, winning three races and finishing second in another. That excellent form carried over to Hollywood Park, and that is where the most productive phase of his career began.

It also paired Street Boss with another jockey. David Flores took over the reins from Solis, and he stayed aboard Street Boss the rest of the way. They teamed for the colt's first stakes victory in the Grade III Los Angeles Handicap before coming back later in the meet to win the Grade I Triple Bend Invitational. Both efforts saw Street Boss take his customary position at the back of the pack before making a charge in the stretch. Much like contemporaries Stardom Bound and Zenyatta (who was also sired by Street Cry), Street Boss was unfazed racing wide in the stretch and commencing a bid with a win on the line.

His return engagement at Del Mar came in the Grade I Bing Crosby, a prestigious sprint on the yearly calendar. Street Boss again showed Del Mar was to his liking. In last place for a good portion of the race, he was about nine-wide at the top of the stretch. But that powerful kick had no equal, and Street Boss roared to the front with a brilliant conclusion to take the Bing Crosby. That race encapsulated the strengths of Street Boss. His bravery, his ability to close, and his class were all showcased at the track where he debuted under a year earlier. It was clear Bruce Headley had a special horse in his stable.

Moving back to Santa Anita, Street Boss narrowly missed out on winning the Grade I Ancient Title Stakes after another wide trip turning for home. That prepared him for the Grade I Breeders' Cup Sprint, which saw him take third as Midnight Lute successfully defended his title.

Retired after the Sprint, Street Boss collected seven wins along with three seconds and a third in thirteen starts. He did so much in a career that spanned a little under fourteen months. And he did so in exciting fashion.

Though he was obviously a sprinter, Street Boss became a versatile sprinter. He won races at 5 1/2, 6, 6 1/2, and 7 furlongs while becoming a multiple graded stakes winner. And winning races at Del Mar, Hollywood Park and Santa Anita is a notable distinction for any horse, no matter the distance or surface.

After the races, Street Boss began his stud career. He has turned into a notable stallion, with Grade I winners Capo Bastone, Cathryn Sophia and Danza among his progeny. Grade II champion Holy Boss and Grade III titlist Hence are also members of his progeny, and all of them obtained their sire's class. Interestingly, several of them are winners at a route, which is something Street Boss never collected when he raced.

But he has collected many victories as a sire, which has augmented a very good racing career. Street Boss is just a winner through and through.

Exciting to watch as a racehorse, Street Boss fought from far back on most race days. He was close to the pace on one occasion, but he loved to rally. And he could do it successfully.

The "Street" in Street Boss of course came from his sire. But "Boss" proved to be just as apropos. Given how his four-year-old campaign materialized, Street Boss was indeed a boss in the Southern California sprint division.