With three out of the five runners in Saturday's Grade 2, $200,000 Chandelier Stakes at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif., Bob Baffert would appear to “have 'em surrounded” indeed, as his budding starlet Princess Noor fairly towers over her competitors, based upon two impressive tallies at Del Mar over the summer.
To be run for the 52nd time and won by Baffert a record 11 times, the Chandelier will be contested at a mile and one sixteenth.
Baffert will also be represented by Illumination, who was third, beaten 8 3/4 lengths by Princess Noor in the G1 Del Mar Debutante and by Varda, who was a speedy first out maiden winner going six furlongs on Aug. 30.
Trainer Mark Casse will be represented by two-time Saratoga graded stakes placed filly Make Mischief, a New York-bred daughter of red hot sire Into Mischief, who will try two turns for the first time in her fifth career start.
The Chandelier is a Breeders' Cup “Win & You're In” Challenge Race qualifier, with the winner earning a fees-paid berth into the G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Keeneland on Nov. 6.
PRINCESS NOOR
Owner: Zedan Racing Stables, Inc.
Trainer: Bob Baffert
A $1,350,000 Florida 2-year-old in training sale purchase in April, she's done little wrong in two starts, taking her 5 1/2-furlong debut by 2 1/2 lengths at 3-5 on Aug. 22 and crushing five rivals by 6 1/2 lengths at 3-5 in the G1 Del Mar Debutante going seven furlongs on Sept. 6. With Baffert sending in the plays in the morning and afternoon, regular rider Victor Espinoza would appear to be first and goal with plenty of time left aboard Princess Noor on Saturday.
GRADE II CHANDELIER STAKES WITH JOCKEYS & WEIGHTS IN POST POSITION ORDER
Race 3 of 11 Approximate post time 1:30 p.m. PT
- Princess Noor—Victor Espinoza—122
- Make Mischief—Abel Cedillo—122
- Varda—Drayden Van Dyke—122
- Illumination—Luis Saez—122
- Miss Costa Rica—Flavien Prat—122First post time for an 11-race card on Saturday is at 12:30 p.m. Although there is no public admittance, fans can follow a live video stream, free of charge, at santaanita.com
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