Bottle of Rouge delivered a stunning 9-1 upset in Saturday’s $301,000 Del Mar Debutante Stakes (G1), defeating her heavily favored stablemate Explora to give trainer Bob Baffert a record-extending 12th victory in Del Mar’s signature race for two-year-old fillies.
The Upset Victory
The Vino Rosso filly was considered the “third-stringer” from Baffert’s barn, with Explora going off as the 3-5 favorite and Himika also receiving more betting support. Under jockey Mike Smith, Bottle of Rouge rallied strongly down the stretch to win by approximately one length, paying $20.20 to win.
The race unfolded with Explora setting the pace through fractions of :22.05 and :44.62, while Bottle of Rouge settled off the pace in mid-field. As the field turned for home, it briefly appeared to be a Baffert 1-2-3 finish with any of his three fillies capable of winning, but Himika faded first, followed by Explora succumbing to the sustained rally of Bottle of Rouge.
Personal Connections
Adding intrigue to the victory, Bottle of Rouge is owned by Jill Baffert, the trainer’s wife. Mike Smith revealed he only received the riding assignment because of Jill’s persistence, saying “She told Bob he had to ride me; she wouldn’t let up. She insisted”. This was Smith’s first time aboard the filly, having never even worked her previously.
Racing Background
Bottle of Rouge entered the Debutante off a maiden-breaking victory in her second career start, having finished second to stablemate Himika in her debut. The step up to seven furlongs in the Debutante proved key for the filly’s development. She now sports a record of 3-2-1-0 with earnings of $240,000.
Breeding and Significance
The victory marked the seventh stakes winner and first Grade 1 winner for Spendthrift Farm’s Vino Rosso. Bottle of Rouge was purchased for $100,000 as a Keeneland September yearling and is bred by Kathie Maybee in Kentucky. Her dam, Blues Zone, is a Bluegrass Cat half-sister to Grade 3 winner San Pablo.
The win continued Baffert’s remarkable dominance in the Del Mar Debutante, extending his record to 12 victories in the race. Explora salvaged second place, giving Baffert a 1-2 finish, while Mark Glatt-trained La Wally finished third.
