Baffert 'Back' For More in Sunland Park Oaks

The always dangerous Bob Baffert is looking for his fifth straight Sunland Park Oaks and sends out the duo of Spendthrift Farm's GI Las Virgenes heroine Callback, the even-money favorite on the morning line, and his wife's MaybelleneSunday. The former has done little wrong since a ninth-place debut behind 'TDN Rising Star' Lady Lake (Wildcat Heir) sprinting at Santa Anita Nov. 2. Off the mark at Los Alamitos Dec. 4, the bay was a closing second, good for a 90 Beyer behind Seduire (Elusive Quality) in the GII Santa Ynez S. back in Arcadia Jan. 3, one start prior to successfully stretching out to a mile while employing pacesetting tactics in the GI Las Virgenes S. Jan. 31. Winner of an optional claimer over the Santa Anita dirt Oct. 23, Maybellene was second in Del Mar's Desi Arnaz S. Nov. 16 and completed the trifecta in 'TDN Rising Star' Take Charge Brandi (Giant's Causeway's)'s GI Starlet S. at Los Alamitos Dec. 13. Off the board in her stablemate's Las Virgenes win, she comes into the Oaks with an even fourth in the China Doll S. in her turf debut Mar. 7. Fellow Las Virgenes runner Suva Harbor, who ran sixth, could also have a say in the outcome. The John Sadler filly was first past the wire in the Island Fashion S. 2 3/4 lengths ahead of runner-up Rousanne going a mile over this strip last time out, but was disqualified for interference and placed eighth Feb. 22.

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