June 25, 2017 - Santa Anita, Race 7, Msw, USD $54,000, 5F
1st Dam: Cinq Etoiles
2st Dam: Renfro Valley Star
2st Dam: Brave Raj
Owner: Peachtree Stable & Natalie J. Baffert
Breeder: Scott Pierce (OK)
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Serengeti, a well-bet second on debut over track and trip, took no prisoners in his second journey to the post, blitzing an overmatched field of juveniles by double digits and earning ‘TDN Rising Star’ status. Made the 11-10 chalk first out June 10, the $200,000 Keeneland September buy dueled for command and just weakened a bit late to be runner-up. Crushed in the wagering throughout to be off at 2-5 while switching pilots from Martin Garcia to Mike Smith and adding blinkers this time, the bay blasted out of the blocks from his inside post and made a clear lead in the opening strides. Honeymoonz Over (Congrats), a $360,000 Barretts March buy who also completed the exacta in a local debut, was scrubbed on to go after the leader and managed to draw within a length past a :21.77 quarter. Shaking away from that foe with remarkable ease nearing the top of the lane, Serengeti cut the corner smoothly and opened up a half-dozen lengths in a matter of a few strides. Slamming the door by mid-stretch, he was ridden with hands and heels by Smith the rest of the way, and the favorite coasted home 11 lengths to the good. On the Right (Gone Astray) showed late interest to nail Honeymoonz Over in the last jump for second money at 35-1. The winner’s unraced dam is a half to GSW Fast Bullet (Speightstown), while third dam Brave Raj (Rajab) captured the 1986 GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies en route to champion 2-year-old filly honors that year. Cinq Etoiles is responsible for a yearling Liaison filly named Loop the Loop and she was bred to Race Day last spring.
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