Bayakoa S. (G3) goes to a resilient As Time Goes By

As Time Goes By survived a very quick early pace and losing the lead in midstretch to win the $100,000 Bayakoa S. (G3) on Sunday afternoon at Los Alamitos (WATCH RACE).

The win was the third graded stakes win for the Bob Baffert-trained filly, who is by Baffert’s 2015 Horse of the Year and Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. Baffert now has won the Bayakoa four times.

As Time Goes By got into an early speed duel with Harvest Moon, who zipped through a half-mile in :45.54. Harvest Moon began to fade entering the final bend, giving As Time Goes By a short lead over Warren’s Showtime at the top of the stretch. With a furlong to go, Warren’s Showtime took the lead and looked like a winner, but As Time Goes By dug in very gamely and forged ahead to win by 1 ¼-lengths in 1:42.97 for the 1 1/16-miles on the fast track.

“I love this filly. I love [wife] Jill number one and this filly number two,” said Baffert. “My two favorite girls. They went so fast early, I was afraid of the runner-up, who is a really good horse, and I was hoping [As Time Goes By] would have something left. I’ve always been high on her. I’m hoping she runs as a 5-year-old because I’d really like to win a Grade I with her and I know she can. [Owners Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith] said if she’s doing well they will keep her in training.”

As Time Goes By has wins in the Santa Maria S. (G2) and Santa Margarita S. (G2), and is now 5-3-1 in 12 starts and has earned $535,600.