Baffert Enjoys a Thrilling Victory with Cavalieri in La Cañada at Santa Anita!

Photo:

Santa Anita / Benoit Photo

Cavalieri is a promising filly belonging to trainer Bob Baffert.

In her stakes debut during Sunday’s 1 1/16-mile Grade 3 La Cañada Stakes at Santa Anita, Cavalieri kept pace and repelled a late
challenge from graded-stakes victor Alpha Bella to achieve victory as the even-money
favorite under Juan Hernández.

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Cavalieri established her position alongside Chatalas (6-1) through fractions of 23.69,
47.33 and 1:11.35 for six furlongs. Approaching the quarter pole, Cavalieri began to
pull away from her pace competitor but soon encountered a new challenger in Alpha Bella. With
Flavien Prat riding, Alpha Bella had saved ground while tracking the leaders before
initiating her rally. She approached Cavalieri on the outside in mid-stretch
but was unable to pass. Cavalieri proceeded to distance herself and crossed the finish line a
1 1/2-length winner.

“I had a favorable break, and after that, I found myself in a solid position,” Hernández
stated. “She was moving really well. Turning for home, I believe she was anticipating
competition. When the horse on the outside (Alpha Bella) arrived, she sensed her and
reacted exceptionally well.”

Cavalieri completed 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.15. Big Hug, a 19-1 long shot ridden by
Mike Smith, came in third. Chatalas, Che Evasora (34-1), and Musical
Mischief (6-1) followed to complete the order of finish.

“Entering the race with her training form, we anticipated we were going
to enjoy ourselves with her,” Baffert remarked about the winner. “She is developing, and she is
a large, attractive stout mare. If we can maintain her health, we will have plenty of
enjoyment with her this year. It was a significant advancement for her competing against some quality
fillies, and she managed it well, enduring a lot of pressure and continuing to move forward. I
believe she will enhance from this.”

A 4-year-old filly by Nyquist, Cavalieri is owned by Speedway Stables. She was
purchased for $900,000 as a 2-year-old at auction. Cavalieri triumphantly debuted with a victory going a mile at
Del Mar in August and subsequently came back to clear her first-level allowance condition,
also at a mile, winning by 3 1/2 lengths on Oct. 12 at Santa Anita.

Cavalieri returned $4.00, $2.80, and $2.40. Alpha Bella, trained by John Sadler,
returned $2.60 and $2.20. Big Hug, trained by Val Brinkerhoff, paid $3.60 to show.