Seismic Beauty has exited Sunday’s big effort in great order, trainer Bob Baffert reported. The fun is just getting started, as we’ll now look to map out a plan for the rest of the year that will hopefully culminate in a try in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Del Mar on Nov. 1.
There are three logical options for her next start outlined below, but we have plenty of time before we need to make any firm decisions. As always, we will lean heavily on trainer Bob Baffert in the decision-making process. He has other runners in the barn who are major players in this division, and we respect and acknowledge the fact that he’ll try to keep them separated as best as he can, but it’s fair to say that Seismic Beauty is probably at the top of his depth chart after Sunday.
Here are the three spots Seismic Beauty could run next:
$500K G2 Fleur de Lis S. - Churchill Downs - June 28 - 1 1/8 miles
Pros: “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the BC Distaff (we’re not really worried about her getting into the Breeders’ Cup, but having entry fees paid is always a nice bonus.) Shorter wait between starts. Solid purse for a Grade 2.
Cons: She’s already a Grade 2 winner, so it’s not much of a resumé builder… Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna is reportedly being pointed here. While she ran a clunker last time, there’s probably no real reason to rush to face that one before we have to. Shipping cross-country always adds another wrinkle.
$400K G1 Clement L. Hirsch S. - Del Mar - Aug. 2 - 1 1/16 miles
Pros: Also a “Win And You’re In.” Slightly lengthy race spacing, but probably ideal for her off such a big effort to avoid a “bounce.” It's doubtful she'll mind the slightly shorter distance considering her cruising speed and what she’s already done at a mile. Will be run over the same track as the Breeders’ Cup, and a surface she’s already won on before. Likely to be the shortest field of the three options. Baffert has won three of the last five runnings of this race, including the last two with Uncle Mo’s Adare Manor.
Cons: There aren't many, but perhaps the fact we’d have to wait a couple of months to see her back in the entries. Slightly smaller purse than the other two races.
$500K G1 Personal Ensign S. - Saratoga - Aug. 23 - 1 1/8 miles
Pros: “Win and You’re In” as well. The most prestigious of the three races and always exciting to race (and win!) at Saratoga. Four of the last six champion older females won this race on their way to an Eclipse award.
Cons: Pretty long wait for a next start unless we run in something in between. She'd have to ship across the country to upstate New York. Could very well come up tough like most Saratoga Grade 1 events do.
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