January 20, 2019 - Santa Anita, Race 5, Msw, USD $55,000, 6 1/2F
1st Dam: Sacristy
2st Dam: Christies Treasure
2st Dam: Roses At Sunset
Owner: Godolphin, LLC
Breeder: Don Alberto Corporation (KY)
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Flor de La Mar, universally tipped leading up to her debut, proved worth the hype with an easy romp at Santa Anita to earn the ‘TDN Rising Star’ nod Sunday. Bought for $500,000 as a Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling, the dark bay showed a typically sharp series of drills for trainer Bob Baffert, capped by a five-furlong spin in :59 1/5 (2/17) here Jan. 13. Off on top as the 1-5 chalk, she deferred to sit a close third past a :22.24 quarter and drew on even terms three deep passing a :45.82. Shaking loose soon after straightening for home, the Godolphin colorbearer was given occasional reminders by Joel Rosario en route to a five-length score. Blue Moonrise (Malibu Moon), the only horse in the sextet with experience, completed the exacta. The victress has half-sisters by Empire Maker from 2017 and 2018 and her dam was bred to Arrogate last season.
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