Cavalieri, a rising star in horse racing, delivered a remarkable performance in the Grade 3 La Cañada Stakes at Santa Anita. Trained by Bob Baffert, the talented 4-year-old filly made her stakes debut and came out on top. With an exciting finish and a confident ride by Juan Hernández, Cavalieri proved she’s a force to be reckoned with.
Dominating the Race
Cavalieri started strong, staying close to the pace set by Chatalas. The early fractions were 23.69 seconds for the first quarter-mile, 47.33 for the half, and 1:11.35 for six furlongs. Near the quarter pole, Cavalieri began pulling ahead of her rival but soon faced a challenge from Alpha Bella.
Alpha Bella, ridden by Flavien Prat, made an impressive move, closing in on Cavalieri mid-stretch. However, Cavalieri responded to the pressure with determination, pulling away to secure a 1 1/2-length victory. She completed the 1 1/16-mile race in 1:44.15.
A Strong Field of Rivals
Big Hug, a 19-1 long shot with Mike Smith aboard, took third place. Chatalas and Che Evasora finished fourth and fifth, while Musical Mischief rounded out the field. Despite tough competition, Cavalieri’s grit and skill ensured her spot at the top.
Trainer Bob Baffert’s Praise
Trainer Bob Baffert was thrilled with Cavalieri’s performance, calling her a “big, beautiful, stout mare.” He added, “She is maturing, and this was a big step up for her. She handled the pressure and kept going. If we can keep her healthy, she’s going to have a fantastic year.”
A Promising Career
Cavalieri, owned by Speedway Stables, was a $900,000 auction purchase as a 2-year-old. She made her debut at Del Mar last summer, winning her first race at a mile. She followed that with another dominant victory in an allowance race at Santa Anita in October, winning by 3 1/2 lengths. Sunday’s stakes win marks another significant milestone in her blossoming career.
Cavalieri’s impressive win in the La Cañada Stakes signals a bright future for this talented filly. With her consistent performances and growing maturity, she is poised to make waves in upcoming races. Fans of horse racing should watch closely as Cavalieri continues to showcase her strength, skill, and determination on the track.
Visit Home