Country Grammer kicks off graded stakes trifecta at Santa Anita

Country Grammer’s powerful victory in the San Antonio S. (G2) was the first of three graded wins on the Dec. 26 card at Santa Anita for trainer Bob Baffert, soon to be followed to Fun to Dream in the La Brea S. (G1) and Taiba in the Malibu S. (G1).

Country Grammer, who was second in three previous graded stakes since taking the Dubai World Cup (G1) in March, wrapped up 2022 with a stellar effort in the San Antonio.

An early four-wide trip put Country Grammer a couple lengths from the lead through the first half-mile. He moved closer to the front on the backstretch and came on even terms with about three furlongs to go. With a sudden burst turning for home, Country Grammer swiftly left the field in his wake and came home an easy winner in 1:43.45 for the 1 1/16-miles.

“This horse is the neatest, coolest horse. He has really brought us up when we were really down,” Baffert said. “He has come through, he’s a clutch horse. That little freshening (off since Oct. 1) really helped him and he’s been doing so great. He likes a deep track.”

With the win, 5-year-old Country Grammer is 5-5-1 in 14 starts and has earned $11,277,320. He is owned by Commonwealth Thoroughbreds, LLC, WinStar Farm LLC and Zedan Racing Stables, Inc.