Adare Manor Looms Large in Santa Margarita

Saturday, May 25, 2024 | 1:00 pm

Updated: May 25, 2024 at 9:15 am

Adare Manor and jockey Juan Hernandez, right, outleg Desert Dawn (Umberto Rispoli), left, to win the Grade I, $400,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes, Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar CA. © BENOIT PHOTO

Two-time Grade I winner Adare Manor (Uncle Mo) will be heavily favored to successfully defend her title in Sunday's GII Santa Margarita S. at Santa Anita.

The Michael Lund Petersen colorbearer posted triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures in her two prior attempts for Bob Baffert this season, finishing second in the GI Beholder Mile S. Mar. 9 and capturing the GI Apple Blossom H. Apr. 13.

Drawn widest of all in post five, Adare Manor is the 3-5 morning-line favorite.

The field also includes Coffee in Bed (Curlin) and Super Shine (Arg) (Super Saver), separated by just a neck while finishing one-two in the local GII Santa Maria S. Apr. 21.

Santa Anita's 10-race Sunday program also features the GIII Daytona S. going 6 1/2 furlongs over the hillside course.