Splendora rockets to victory in Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1)

Splendora gave Bob Baffert his second winner of the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) with a dynamic performance Saturday at Del Mar.

The 4-year-old filly’s win in the seven-furlong contest was her first in a graded stakes following a trio of runner-up finishes against foes such as Seismic Beauty, Richi and Kopion.

Several horses broke on even terms, including Splendora, who soon backed out of the scramble for the lead to be fifth along the rail. Stablemate Hope Road set the pace, getting the half-mile in a quick :44.64. Splendora went three-wide on the turn and was neck and neck with Hope Road turning for home. Splendora was full of run in the stretch, drawing off to win by 4 ¾-lengths in 1:21.79. Hope Road gamely held third.

“She has been working really well and she loves this track,” said Baffert of the winner. “I told (Flavien) Prat, when she ran here this summer, going six furlongs, she ran an incredible race and just sat off the pace. When he swooped up to the outside (today) and she took off, it was over. Hope Road, she ran great. I thought she would be off the pace a little bit. These races, they are so tough to win.”

Splendora is owned by By Talla Racing LLC and has earned $860,800, with a record of 5-4-0 in 10 starts.