Baffert’s Clement Hirsch Stakes 2025 Trio Looks Formidable
Leading the charge for the Hall of Fame trainer is Seismic Beauty, a front-running filly who enters off a dominant win in the G2 Santa Margarita. She wired that field by five lengths and has showcased a deadly combination of early speed and stamina. Juan Hernandez takes the reins once again, hoping to deliver another gate-to-wire masterpiece.
Stablemate Richi is no stranger to the spotlight either. The five-year-old mare was last seen capturing the G2 Santa Maria in April and brings tactical speed into this contest. Ridden by Antonio Fresu, she is expected to press the pace and keep things honest up front.
Completing the trio is Nothing Like You, who returns from a ten-month layoff. She previously won the Desi Arnaz and the Santa Anita Oaks by an impressive margin. Though lacking recent form, her class and prior success at Del Mar make her a dark horse to watch.
“They’re all training well,” Baffert told reporters. “It’s a tough race, but they seem like they’re getting over the track here really well.”
Formidable Rivals Add Depth to the 2025 Clement Hirsch Stakes
Among Baffert’s strongest challengers is Kopion, trained by Richard Mandella. A three-time graded stakes winner earlier this season, Kopion finished off the board in the G2 Great Lady M but had a valid excuse—she lost a shoe during the race. Now back on form, and with Kazushi Kimura aboard, she could pose a serious threat.
Royal Spa enters the Clement Hirsch off a runner-up effort behind Thorpedo Anna in the G2 Fleur de Lis. Hector Berrios retains the mount as she ships in from Kentucky for trainer Rodolphe Brisset.
Also making her U.S. debut is Little Hidden Port, an Argentine-bred mare trained by John Sadler. She has been training forwardly and represents Hronis Racing’s latest import to the Del Mar scene.
Mike Smith will partner Mahina, listed at 20-1 on the morning line, while Drayden Van Dyke returns to ride Nothing Like You.
Full Field for the Clement Hirsch Stakes 2025
- 1. Seismic Beauty (Juan Hernandez) – 2/1
- 2. Royal Spa (Hector Berrios) – 6/1
- 3. Mahina (Mike Smith) – 20/1
- 4. Nothing Like You (Drayden Van Dyke) – 8/1
- 5. Richi (Antonio Fresu) – 3/1
- 6. Little Hidden Port (Armando Ayuso) – 12/1
- 7. Kopion (Kazushi Kimura) – 5/2
The 55th running of the Grade 1 Clement Hirsch Stakes is scheduled as Race 10 on Saturday’s 11-race card at Del Mar, with a probable post time of 6:30 PM PT.
Catch the full weekend coverage and post-race analysis on RaceBuzz.
For official race day entries and more info, visit Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
