It was a performance that lived up to her name. Special Wan lit up the Del Mar turf on Breeders’ Cup Saturday, capturing the Grade 3 Goldikova Stakes in commanding fashion under a cool, confident Joel Rosario ride — and reaffirming her place among the most consistent turf mares in training.
For trainer Brendan Walsh, this was more than just another stakes victory. It was a validation of patience, preparation, and belief. “She’s been training great coming into this,” Walsh said afterward. “She gave us confidence all week — and Joel rode her with plenty of it.”
The five-year-old mare by Belardo had shipped west after a short layoff, last seen winning the Grade 3 Resolute Racing Ladies Turf Stakes at Kentucky Downs in August. Her class was evident then, but on Saturday, she was pure authority — breaking cleanly, settling mid-pack, and making a decisive move around the turn.
Rosario Rides with Faith and Flair
When 70-1 outsider Violeta M and veteran Mike Smith set a sharp early pace (22.82 and 46.29 seconds), Rosario didn’t panic. He simply let Special Wan find her rhythm, waiting for the right moment. As they swung for home, the mare shifted gears, cruising past the leader under a hand ride to win by 1¼ lengths.
“She’s a very special horse,” Rosario said with a smile. “She relaxed beautifully behind the speed and when I asked, she just went. I didn’t have to do much — she did it all herself.”
Behind her, Breath Away (11-1) finished strongly for second after a wide trip, while Medoro (5-2) held third for Peter Eurton and Umberto Rispoli. The final time for the mile was 1:34.26, with splits of 22.82, 46.29, 1:11.04, and 1:22.65.Walsh and Team Valor Reap the Rewards
For co-owners Team Valor International and Steven Rocco, Special Wan’s Goldikova triumph marked another milestone in a blossoming campaign that has already surpassed $1 million in career earnings. Her record now stands at 11 starts: 5 wins, 2 seconds, 3 thirds — $1,007,598 in total prize money.
“She’s got a big heart and keeps improving,” Walsh reflected. “We thought this race suited her, and it all worked out exactly how we hoped.”
At odds of 8-5, Special Wan returned $5.20, $3.40, and $2.40. Runner-up Breath Away paid $8.60 and $2.80, while Medoro returned $2.80 to show.
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