Vale Dori (ARG) is on the cusp of millionaire status after winning Sunday's $100,000 Adoration S. (G3) at Santa Anita Park, the first win in the race for her trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Rafael Bejarano.
Usually out in front right from the start, Vale Dori let Sensitivity set the pace for six furlongs, which went in 1:11.15. Bejarano gave his filly the cue, and she swept to the lead at the head of the lane, then held off a determined late charge by Skye Diamonds to win by a half-length in 1:42.35 for the 1 1/16-miles on a wet-fast track.
“She needed that stretch run. I’ve been sort of light with her,” said Baffert. “I wasn’t even sure if I was going to run her here and I just decided to throw her in. I’d rather just run her rather than work her.
“Our little filly . . . you could tell she needed that race. Next time (Beholder Mile, Grade One on June 3), we’ll be ready. Her class got her through today. At least we found out that we can sit off and don’t have to be completely up there.”
Vale Dori has now won six straight races, five graded stakes, and nine of 13 overall. Her earnings stand at $994,943 for owner Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum.