Adare Manor came up with a different way to win, stalking the pace, working through tight quarters and then rolling to victory in the $400,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (G1) at Del Mar Racetrack.
The 5-year-old mare looks to be in championship running after her third straight victory and a repeat of her Hirsch win of 2023. The win on Saturday earned Adare Manor an all-fees paid automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at Del Mar on Nov. 2.
Called by trainer Bob Baffert “The Amazon’’ as she towers over many of her rivals, Adare Manor stalked the early pace set by shipper Scylla and longshot Olivia Twist.
On the second turn, Adare Manor dropped to fourth as Pretty Mischievous moved into second behind Scylla, and ahead of fading Olivia Twist. When jockey Juan Hernandez went to the right-handed whip, Adare Manor took the lead in mid-stretch and won easily by 2 ¾ lengths.
“She broke good and relaxed, so I was happy. This wasn’t a perfect trip for her, but it was fine,’’ Hernandez said. “She’s not bothered by the kickback, so where we were was OK. I rode her with a lot of confidence; she was running with a lot of confidence. We went through that little trouble, and she was off and running. She is one of the best fillies I’ve ever ridden.”
With three victories in four starts in 2024 – her other wins came in Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) and the Santa Margarita Stakes (G2) following a second in the Beholder Mile Stakes (G1), Adare Manor is at the top of the heap among older females.
Scylla, trained by Bill Mott (who won Whitney Stakes with Arthur’s Ride at the Spa on Saturday) finished second, followed by Flying Connection, Desert Dawn, Mischievous, Sugar Fish, Coffee in Bed, and Olivia Twist.
Adare Manor was sent off as the 3-5 favorite for those who bet on horse racing and returned $3.20 on a $2 win bet. Winning time for the 1 1/8 miles was 1:43.29 over a fast track.
The Uncle Mo mare has won 10 of 18 career starts, with five runner-up finishes and earnings of $2,096,600.
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