A Tougher Start Than Expected for Little Hidden Port, but Confidence Remains for a Strong Showing

In statements to The Blood-Horse, trainer John Sadler said he had hoped for an easier spot, but that the challenge of the Clement L. Hirsch will serve to test the horse’s true worth

John Sadler and the Hronis Racing Colors to Be Worn by Little Hidden Port at Del Mar/ BENOIT PHOTO

DEL MAR, California (Special for Turf Diario).- The journey for Argentine racing in the United States, led by trainer John Sadler and owner Kosta Hronis, continues to add new chapters. This Saturday, at the iconic Del Mar Racetrack, it will be time for Little Hidden Port to make her U.S. debut, the hardy daughter of champion Puerto Escondido facing a major challenge in the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (G1-1700m, dirt).

The event offers a purse of $400,000 and is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, meaning the winner will earn an automatic berth—with all expenses paid—to the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), also at Del Mar on November 1.

In comments to The Blood-Horse, Sadler made clear that although it wasn’t his original plan to start so high with the filly, circumstances pushed him in that direction: “I entered her in some easier spots, but those races didn’t come together. So we’ll start here, at home, to get a better idea of what we have on our hands, and from there decide where to move her next. She definitely shows she’s a filly for two turns, with stamina, and on dirt,” explained the accomplished trainer, who has won the Hirsch five times.

For Sadler, this isn’t his first experience with Argentine runners in recent months. In 2023, he made a key visit to Argentina, which helped him add names like Full Serrano—who captured the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1)—and Subsanador (Fortify), runner-up in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) and later winner of the California Crown Stakes (G1) under the colors of Wathnan Racing, now trained by Richard Mandella.

Now it’s Little Hidden Port’s turn. She hasn’t raced since her commanding seven-length win in the Clásico Los Criadores (G2) at La Plata, over 2000 meters on dirt, closing her South American campaign on a high note. In fact, the bay filly has been in training since April and has completed 17 works over the last four months in a consistent and demanding sequence.

The filly comes from La Plata, which ranks below Palermo and San Isidro in the hierarchy of Argentine racing. Even so, her recent performances there were impressive enough to catch the attention of Sadler and Hronis’ team, who hope to replicate the formula that worked with Full Serrano.

Little Hidden Port carries a direct nod to her origins in her name: her sire Puerto Escondido, Argentine champion and unforgettable winner of the 2017 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1), whose name references one of the world’s most legendary surfing beaches on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Puerto Escondido is by Hurricane Cat (Storm Cat) out of Surf Point, by Louis Quatorze, and was named Argentine Horse of the Year before beginning his stud career in the country.

The filly, born August 19, 2020, is part of her sire’s first crop of around 60 foals. She started somewhat late on the track, debuting at the end of her sophomore year, and didn’t break her maiden until her fourth start. From there, she steadily climbed the ranks to finish her South American career at the top.

The Clement L. Hirsch will feature as the standout rival the speedy Kopion, representing Spendthrift Farm and recent winner of the Derby City Distaff Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs. Also in the mix are entries from Bob Baffert, who has won three of the last five editions of the Hirsch, though in recent years the race has been largely dominated by Sadler, who has taken the prize with Healthy Addiction (Boston Harbor), Iotapa (Afleet Alex), Stellar Wind (Curlin)—twice—and Ollie’s Candy (Candy Ride).

Just steps from the Pacific, at the track that launched Zenyatta (Street Sense) to global stardom, and with a history linking Clement Hirsch to the Oak Tree Racing Association, Little Hidden Port arrives carrying the hope of continuing the strong Argentine run in the United States.