Promising U.S. Debut for Ooty; Ballado's Beach Scratched
- Turf Diario
- Jul 25
- 2 min read
The Dabster Filly Finished Second to Heavy Favorite Splendora at Del Mar; Suspension of the Colonial Downs Card Prevented Ignacio Correas Jr.’s Trainee From Running
It was a day of mixed feelings Thursday for two Argentine G1-winning fillies scheduled to race in the U.S. While Ooty (Dabster) produced a highly promising debut at Del Mar, Ballado’s Beach (Treasure Beach) didn’t even make it to the starting gate at Colonial Downs, where the card was suspended following a serious spill involving jockey Tyler Conner, after riders requested the remainder of the program be called off.
Winner of last year’s G1 Gran Premio Jorge de Atucha and unraced since finishing fifth in the G2 Clásico Francisco J. Beazley last September, Ooty made her first U.S. start in Thursday’s seventh race, an $84,000 allowance optional claimer over 1200 meters.
Ridden by Drayden Van Dyke and always in close attendance, Ooty completed a 1-2 sweep for trainer Bob Baffert, finishing 3 1/2 lengths behind heavy favorite Splendora (Audible), who came in off back-to-back graded stakes placings.
Owned by Talla Racing, Splendora enjoyed a perfect trip, tracking mid-pack early before finding a seam in upper stretch and bursting clear with ease, stopping the clock in 1:09.73.
Ooty’s performance was undeniably encouraging, not only because of her long layoff but also considering she was cutting back in distance from her best Argentine efforts, yet still managed to stay involved throughout.
Splendora is now considered a leading contender for the G3 Rancho Bernardo Handicap, slated for August 24 at Del Mar over 1300 meters with a purse of $100,000—a race where Ooty could also make an appearance.
The second half of the year is shaping up to be active for Argentine and South American runners stateside, with several names already making an impression and others still waiting to step forward, fueling hopes for more major victories ahead.
Comments