Odds-on favorite Faiza runs away with Santa Anita Oaks
Racing in mid-pack early, odds-on favorite Faiza (4-5)accelerated on the backstretch, took the lead at the quarter pole and ran on toa 6 1/2-length victory Saturday in the Grade 2, $401,500 Santa Anita Oaks.
Even though the race was designated as an automaticqualifier for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) on May 5, the 100 points earned by Faizawere forfeited because she comes from the stable of Bob Baffert. The Hall of Fametrainer is finishing a two-year Churchill Downs suspension brought on by thelate Medina Spirit’s failed drug test after the 2021 Kentucky Derby.
The 2023 Santa Anita Oaks (G2) winner is Faiza. pic.twitter.com/AQ4dFw2gHv
— Santa Anita Park (@santaanitapark) April 9, 2023
Baffert was nevertheless happy with the way the day turnedout.
“She’s getting better and better and improving,” he said. “(JockeyFlavien) Prat has always told me she does just enough to get by. I told him shewould do more today. I’ve never seen her so sharp.”
Sired by Girvin, Faiza is owned by jewelry baron MichaelLund Petersen, a native of Denmark who lives near Baltimore.
“Michael Lund has been a great supporter of mine,” Baffertsaid. “We had (former champion) Gamine, and he’s gotten spoiled now with Faiza.It’s good to have her in the mix.”
And Tell Me Nolies (6-1) finished second, giving her enoughpoints to clinch a spot in the 14-horse starting gate in Louisville and run forthe lilies next month.
Window Shopping took third, Clearly Unhinged fourth andVenganza fifth. Each of the three picked up points in the race worth 100-40-30-20-10to the top five, but they did not gain enough ground to make a serious bid forthe Kentucky Oaks.
