Muth Leads 1-2 Finish for Baffert in San Vicente

Muth  was the best California-based 2-year-old of the fall at Santa Anita Park, winning the Oct. 7 American Pharoah Stakes (G1) and running second to eastern shipper Fierceness  in the Nov. 3 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1).

Two months later, he still appears on top on the West Coast. On Jan. 6 at Santa Anita, the newly turned 3-year-old returned from the Breeders' Cup, swooping three wide on the turn in the $200,500 San Vicente Stakes (G2) to beat stablemate Pilot Commander  decisively. His victory gave Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert a record-extending 13th win in the seven-furlong race.

Perched just off pacesetting Slider , trained by John Sadler, and Pilot Commander through early splits of :22.88 and :45.27, Muth took charge just before the stretch when given his cue by jockey Juan Hernandez. He took a length lead after six furlongs in 1:09.76 and extended his advantage to 2 3/4 lengths under a hand ride in the final eighth of a mile.

A closing furlong timed in :13.25 left him crossing the wire in a modest final time of 1:23.01. He paid $2.80 as the heavy favorite in the field of six.

Hernandez said Muth "has a lot of class" and was pleased with the colt's finish and his post-wire energy.

"I didn't pull him (up) right away because he was trying to keep going, so I just let him gallop out a little bit," he added.

The colt was greeted in the winner's circle by Baffert, accompanied by numerous supporters, including the colt's namesake, Aaron Muth.

"To see an animal like that continue to win race after race, it's been a lot of fun," Aaron Muth said.

"He doesn't like going to the gym."@FanDuelTVMike spoke to trainer @BobBaffert after winning the $200,000 G2 San Vicente Stakes at @SantaAnitaPark with MUTH! pic.twitter.com/ICpWXdPVju

— TVG (@TVG) January 7, 2024

Baffert also praised his runner-up, who appeared to tire late but showed resolve to edge Slider  by a head for the place. The San Vicente marked Pilot Commander's second start after a debut maiden victory Nov. 11 for owners CSLR Racing Partners at Del Mar.

A sprint, the San Vicente offered no Kentucky Derby (G1) qualifying points. Santa Anita's graded stakes series for 3-year-olds continues with routes later this winter and spring, topped by the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1) April 6.

Pedigree, Sales History

• High expectations have long followed Muth, who topped last year's Ocala Breeders' Sales March 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale when he sold for $2 million to owner Amr Zedan of Zedan Racing Stables. Bloodstock agent Donato Lanni purchased Muth there from the Top Line Sales consignment.
• Amr Zedan "gives us all this ammo to work with, so it makes it a lot easier on me," Baffert said. "He is an incredible guy, and he loves the sport; he has a passion for it, and that's the number one thing."
• Muth earned $120,000 and improved to 3-2-0 in five starts. The Don Alberto Corporation-bred 3-year-old, out of the Uncle Mo   mare Hoppa , has career earnings of $716,600.
• The winner is a son of Good Magic  , who stands at Hill 'n' Dale Farms this year for $125,000. Sire of 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage  , Good Magic finished as the second-leading second-crop sire of last year after also being second among first-crop sires in 2022.