Cavalieri on Track for the Distaff; Richi Second, La Kika Fails to Impress

The undefeated Nyquist filly captured the Zenyatta Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park, securing her spot in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff

Cavalieri Recovered from a Bad Start to Score Convincingly / BENOIT PHOTO

ARCADIA, California (Special for Turf Diario).- The flawless campaign of Cavalieri added another chapter this Sunday at Santa Anita Park, where the Nyquist filly maintained her unbeaten status with an authoritative score in the Zenyatta Stakes (G2) over 1700 meters on dirt. Representing Speedway Stables, she not only reached five wins from as many starts but also secured her spot in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), set for Nov. 1 at Del Mar.

Rider Juan Hernández faced a tricky beginning: the favorite jumped awkwardly at the start after more than six months off, leaving her at the back of the field. Gradually, however, her class prevailed. She advanced into a stalking position behind stablemate Richi (Practical Joke), who had taken command and set moderate fractions up front. In the stretch, Cavalieri surged past and powered clear to win by 1 ¾ lengths in 1:42.64.

The Chilean filly, with a notable record in her home country before joining Bob Baffert’s barn, fought valiantly for second. Under Antonio Fresu, the Hill’n’Dale Equine Holdings trainee did all the work on the front end and stayed competitive deep into the stretch, proving she has the talent to remain a force in the division.

Howin (Gun Runner) finished third, completing a 1-2-3 for Baffert, while the biggest disappointment came from Peruvian star La Kika (Badge of Silver). The multiple Group 1 winner from Monterrico made her U.S. debut and finished well back, a forgettable outing that casts serious doubts over her Breeders’ Cup Distaff prospects, for which she qualified via her Pamplona (G1) victory.

“We knew Cavalieri would be a little nervous after so long off, even in the pre-race walk she was tense,” Hernández said. “But once she got into stride, she recovered everything and showed the champion she is.”

Baffert added, “When she got left at the break, I thought, ‘That’s it,’ but her talent is immense. This effort will serve her well to arrive at the Breeders’ Cup in top form.”

Cavalieri now stands out as one of the leading contenders for the Distaff, which is slowly taking shape.