September 30, 2017 - Santa Anita, Race 3, Msw, USD $50,000, 6F
1st Dam: Sandi's Ready
2st Dam: Snickeez
2st Dam: Lady Theodora
Owner: Phoenix Thoroughbred III Ltd
Breeder: WinStar Farm LLC (KY)
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Mourinho (c, 2, Super Saver) stamped himself as one with a very bright future, earning ‘TDN Rising Star’honors in a dazzling debut victory on the undercard of Santa Anita’s Super Saturday program.
The $30,000 KEESEP yearling brought $625,000 from bloodstock agent Kerri Radcliffe on behalf of the fledgling Phoenix Thoroughbred operation at OBSMARafter breezing a quarter-mile bullet in a sensational :20 1/5.
Mourinho was given a 5-2 chance as Instilled Regard(Arch), runner-up on debut Sept. 2 and a $1.05-million OBSMAR grad himself, was backed down to favoritism at even-money.
Sharp off the mark after exiting from post 10, Mourinho vied for early command while racing three deep through an opening quarter in :22.02. Moving to the fore through a half in :45.44, the bay straightened for home in complete command and impressively extended his advantage through the remainder. It was 4 1/2 lengths back to Peace (Violence) in second. Instilled Regard was third.
The winner’s stakes-placed dam Sandi’s Ready (More Than Ready), purchased by Bruce Grossman for $12,000 at the 2016 KEEJAN sale, is also represented by a Hangover Kid colt of this year. She was bred back to Point of Entry.
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