Undefeated Faiza victorious in Santa Ysabel S. (G3)
Faiza gave Bob Baffert his third straight Santa Ysabel S. (G3) victory, and record eighth overall with her 2 ¼-length victory Sunday at Santa Anita Park.
The 3-year-old filly, owned by Michael Lund Petersen, won the Las Virgenes S. (G3) in January and the Starlet (G1) in December after breaking her maiden in her Nov. 12 debut.
As she has done in her prior races, Faiza broke well and was battling for the lead going into the first turn. She backed off of Blessed Touch on the backstretch, seemingly measuring up her opponent. As the field entered the final bend, Faiza moved along side Blessed Touch and hit the front as the field straightened for home. With a furlong to go, Faiza asserted herself and pulled away to win with authority in 1:44.66 for the 1 1/16-miles on a fast track.
“She’s got a great mind and she’s by one of the hottest sires Girvin who is just unbelievable,” said Baffert. “We are just lucky and fortunate to have her. Michael Lund Petersen has been very excited about her. She wins but she is still learning how to win. She’s got a beautiful mind, nothing bothers her and she’s sweet. She’s got a great personality.”
Faiza has now earned $402,000 in her four victories.