Undefeated Cavalieri wins La Canada S. (G3) in black type debut

Cavalieri stepped up into stakes company for the first time in Sunday’s $100,000 La Canada S. (G3) and rewarded her connections with a 1 ½-length victory over Alpha Bella in the 1 1/16-mile affair for older fillies and mares.

Cavalieri is Bob Baffert record fourth winner of the race that dates back to 1975.

Making her first start since mid-October, Cavalieri and Chatalas battled for the lead through six furlongs that went in 1:11.35. Cavalieri put away Chatalas with a quarter-mile to go, then repelled a strong challenge in the stretch from Alpha Bella, pulling away in the final sixteenth to stop the timer in 1:44.15 on a fast track.

“Coming into the race, with the way she has been training, we knew we were going to have fun with her,” said Baffert. “She is maturing, and she is a big, beautiful stout mare. If we can keep her healthy, we will have a lot of fun with her this year.

“It is great to have these big mares and the clientele. (Owner) Peter Fluor and Speedway Stables they have been great, sending me these good horses, so I’m very happy about it. We have a great team.”

In her three victories, Cavalieri has earned $138,000.