Adare Manor Looks for Second Santa Margarita

Consecutive victories in the Santa Margarita Stakes (G2) are difficult, as evidenced by the fact that it hasn't been accomplished in 34 years. Bayakoa, a two-time champion, twice winner of the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1), and a member of the Hall of Fame, did it in 1989-90, her two championship seasons. Adare Manor  will try to emulate that feat May 26 at Santa Anita Park.

Strangely enough, it has been easier to win the Santa Margarita and then ship to Arkansas to add the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1), something champions Zenyatta  and Azeri did in 2010 and 2002, respectively. Adare Manor will have to try that in reverse order, now that the Santa Margarita comes after the Apple Blossom.

Zenyatta and Azeri only competed in the Santa Margarita once. Bayakoa won the Santa Margarita and Apple Blossom in 1989, which means Adare Manor, a 5-year-old daughter of Uncle Mo   owned by Michael Lund Petersen, could equal Bayakoa with two Santa Margaritas and one Apple Blossom.

Trained by Bob Baffert, Adare Manor began 2024 with a second to Sweet Azteca  in the March 9 Beholder Mile Stakes (G1) before trouncing a field as the 7-10 favorite in the Apple Blossom, scoring over Flying Connection  by 5 1/2 lengths. Juan Hernandez has been Adare Manor's regular rider for more than a year and returns from post 5 in the Santa Margarita at 1 1/8 miles on the dirt.

Only four are daring to challenge Adare Manor. Richard Mandella, like Baffert a Hall of Fame trainer, conditions Coffee in Bed , a 4-year-old daughter of Curlin   owned by Spendthrift Farm. In three outs this season, Coffee in Bed ran second in the La Canada Stakes (G3), finished sixth in the Beholder Mile, and won the Santa Maria Stakes (G2). Hall of Famer Mike Smith rides from post 3.

Super Shine , trained by Phil D'Amato and to be piloted by Frankie Dettori from post 2, ran second to Coffee in Bed by a neck in the Santa Maria. It was the first United States start for the Argentine-bred 5-year-old daughter of Super Saver . Super Shine is a multiple group 2 winner in her native country.

Trainer Richard Baltas has entered Blue Dream Machine , a 4-year-old daughter of Arrogate who ran fourth in the Santa Maria in only her second lifetime start. She broke her maiden at Aqueduct Racetrack in February. Kyle Frey will ride Blue Dream Machine for the first time, and they drew post 4.

Hennys Crazy Train , coming off a May 4 win in an allowance optional claimer on the turf for trainer John Sadler, rounds out the field. She last won on dirt at Los Alamitos Race Course last September, going a mile in starter-allowance company. Hector Berrios is set to ride from the rail.