Adare Manor dominates in Santa Margarita S. (G2) repeat

Adare Manor won Sunday’s Santa Margarita S. (G2) in nearly carbon-copy fashion of her victory in the 2023 running of the 1 1/8-mile race, going gate-to-wire to win by 4 ¼-lengths.

The 5-year-old went right to the front from the start and was allowed to cruise through a half-mile in :48.77 and six furlongs in 1:12.97. When slight pressure did come from Super Shine (ARG) on the final turn, Adare Manor brushed her off easily and was all alone down the lane, stopping the timer in 1:50.86 while under a hand ride in the late stages.

“Well, we wanted the ‘W’ and that was the main thing,” said winning trainer Bob Baffert. “She was training great for this, she had a big effort last time, but she handled it well and I thought this was a good spot. There won’t be another spot until we get to Del Mar for a while. We just really enjoy her and that’s why Michael Lund Petersen is in the business, to watch his horses run. He says he needs more, so we’re going to buy him some. He needs more action.”

The Petersen-owned mare has amassed quite a resume, winning seven graded stakes, including this year’s Apple Blossom (G1). She has earned $1,856,600 and is 9-5-0 in 17 lifetime starts.