Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert goes for his sixth consecutive victory in the $300,000 Starlet (G1) when he sends out a trio of runners on Saturday afternoon at Los Alamitos.
Among the three is the 7-5 morning line favorite Faiza, a $725,000 daughter of Girvin who broke her maiden at 4-5 in her debut on Nov 12 at Del Mar. Flavien Prat was aboard for her maiden breaker and has the return call breaking from the three post.
Baffert also saddles Doinitthehardway (7-2), who has come up short in the maiden ranks three times, most recently a runner up finish going a mile at Del Mar on Nov. 15. Ramon Vazquez picks up the mount and breaks from the rail.
Fast and Shine (15-1) completed the Baffert trio. Last out going a mile on turf the filly set the early fractions and weakened to finish sixth against first level optional claimers.
The Starlet is this week’s Trifecta Contest race. Pick the exact order of the race and you can win a free $100 wager at PlayUp Racebook.
Let’s head out to Los Al for today’s featured race of the day:
Los Alamitos Race 9 The Starlet (G1) Post 4:30 PT
5 Uncontrollable 4-1
3 Faiza 7-5
7 Blessed Touch 5-1
1 Doinitthehardway 7-2
Uncontrollable
This filly is up against three Baffert runners, but she is in good hands with the McCarthy barn and appears likely to offer the best bang for the buck in this spot. She has had some trouble in all three of her starts, her first two against Cal breds. She broke her maiden in her debut and then was a good second in the Generous Portion. Last out was her first in open company and around two turns. She came with a good late rally to finish in the runner up spot. Beaten ¾ of a length. The third-place finisher in that race was Justique, who came back to win the Desi Arnaz on Nov. `19 at Del Mar. A clean trip and some pace in front of her and she can get the job done.
Faiza
This Baffert filly lived up to her $725,000 p[price tag with a good looking maiden win in her debut as the 4-5 chalk. The effort was flattered when the runner up Lily Poo came back to graduate in her next outing on Dec. 2 at Del Mar. Baffert has won this race five years in a row and eight times overall. She is bred to go longer and the barn is 32% winners moving runners from sprint to route. The main knock is going to be the puny price.
Blessed Touch
She was a good second behind the very promising Justique in the Desi Arnaz at seven furlongs. She earned a solid number two back breaking her maiden in her second career outing. She should be right in the mix early and her 5-1 morning line looks fair enough.
Wagering:
WIN: Uncontrollable to win at 3-1 or better.
EXACTA: 5 / 1,3,7 and 3,5 / 3,5,7
