Baffert first-timers score back-to-back Santa Anita

Bob Baffert unveiled a pair of 3-year-olds Feb. 18 at Santa Anita, and both responded with authoritative victories. The maiden wins wound up being the beginning of a great day for the trainer, who capped it off with Ellafitz’s big victory in the featured, Grade 2 $200,000 Santa Maria S. All three winners were ridden by Martin Garcia.

Paynter, owned by Zayat Stables, was first out in the fifth race. A bay 3-year-old colt, he was an authoritative 4 1/4-length winner at 2-5 odds in the 5 1/2-furlong contest, getting the distance in a quick 1:02.98. While it’s a long way from his sprint victory to the 1 1/4-miles of the Kentucky Derby (G1) in May, Paynter is certainly bred for the distance. He is by Awesome Again, who won the 1998 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs, and is out of a full sister to Tiznow, the only two-time winner of that same race.

In the following race, Mamma Kimbo drew off in the stretch for a 5 1/4-length win going six furlongs. The 3-year-old filly is owned by John Fort’s Peachtree Stables; Fort purchased the daughter of Discreet Cat at the 2010 Keeneland September yearling sale for $120,000.