Sometimes when a horse comes out of the starting gate with odds like 1-9, the reality doesn’t always live up to expectations. But that wasn’t the case at all on Aug. 25 in the Rancho Bernardo Handicap (G3) at Del Mar.
Labeled as a heavy favorite, Sweet Azteca impressively claimed his fourth consecutive win, proving himself to be the best in the field and justifying his rise from the initial odds of 2-5 in the morning.
As the six mares and colts charged out of the starting gate, the daughter of Azteca Sharp It took just a few strides to show his superiority. From there, rider Flavien Prat had little to do as his horse glided to a seven-length victory.
“She was just walking around. No, no special instructions for me. Just ride her,” Prat said.
The gray or tan mare finished 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.60.
Part of the Breeders’ Cup “Dirt Dozen” race, Sweet Azteca’s $15,000 guaranteed entry into the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) takes place November 2 at Del Mar.
If there was any drama, it was in determining second place. Chismosa edged Whatever with a nose on the line. But even before that, a slight contact between two people approaching the line led to an investigation. However, the examiners determined that the contact did not affect the results. Irish Wahine The longest shot on the board at 39-1 finished fourth. Sweet Azteca paid $2.20 for the win.
Pamela C. Ziebarth’s home horse improved her record to 5-0-1 in six starts.
Trained by Michael McCarthy, Sweet Azteca earned $481,200.
Video: Bernardo H. Farm (G3)
