Sweet Azteca Lives Up to the Hype in Rancho Bernardo
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Photo: Benoit Photo
Sweet Azteca and Flavien Prat win the Rancho Bernardo at Del Mar
Sometimes when a horse exits the starting gate with odds such as 1-9, reality doesn't always live up to the expectations. But that was far from the case Aug. 25 in the Rancho Bernardo Handicap (G3) at Del Mar.
Tagged as a heavy favorite, Sweet Azteca reeled off her fourth consecutive win in impressive fashion, proving herself easily the best in the field and justifying the bump from the initial 2-5 morning-line odds.
As soon as the six fillies and mares broke from the starting gate, it took the daughter of Sharp Azteca just a few strides to display her superiority. From there, jockey Flavien Prat didn't have much to do as his mount coasted to a seven-length triumph.
"She was just cruising. No, no special instructions for me. Just ride her," said Prat.
The gray or roan filly crossed the wire in 1:15.60 for the 6 1/2 furlong distance.
The race is part of the Breeders' Cup "Dirt Dozen," which guarantees Sweet Azteca $15,000 toward entry into the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) Nov. 2 at Del Mar.
If there was any drama, it came in determining second as Chismosa edged Anywho by a nose at the wire. But even before then, slight contact between the two approaching the wire led to an inquiry. However, the stewards determined that the contact had no bearing on the outcome. Irish Wahine , the longest shot on the board at 39-1, finished fourth. Sweet Azteca paid $2.20 for the win.
Pamela C. Ziebarth's homebred improved her record to 5-0-1 from six starts.
Trained by Michael McCarthy, Sweet Azteca has earned $481,200.