Fun to Dream at the Santa Monica Stakes – Photo Credit Benoit Photo
Five for Clement Hirsch at Del Mar
Baffert also saddles his wife Jill’s homebred Fun To Dream, who is the reigning California-bred Horse of the Year and coming off a narrow defeat in the Beholder Mile (GI) back in March. She also won last year’s La Brea Stakes (GI) and the Santa Monica S. (GI) back in the winter. The daughter of newest Hall of Famer Arrogate will have Ramon Vazquez aboard.
Monrovia Stakes (GIII) winner Elm Drive, who is trained by Phil D’Amato, ran third in the Great Lady M. last out after back-to-back wins in the Monrovia Stakes and Mizdirection Stakes. She stretches out today after having only has outed two turns once before, producing a seventh in the Chandelier Stakes (GI) as a juvenile. Ricky Gonzalez rides.
D’Amato also sends out Desert Dawn, who was second behind Blue Stripe in this race a year ago. The daughter of Cupid has placed in five graded stakes and most recently was third in the Santa Margarita. Regular rider Umberto Rispoli will be back aboard.
Kirstenbosch won La Canada Stakes (G3) for trainer Sadler back in January and is coming off a second last out in the Santa Margarita. Hector Berrios will ride.