There was a palpable buzz around Del Mar as the sun rose over Breeders’ Cup Saturday — the kind of morning where hope and adrenaline mingle in equal measure. By the time Splendora thundered home in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1), that buzz had erupted into pure elation for trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Flavien Prat.
The Talla Racing star, sent off at $7.80, produced a dazzling stretch run to sweep past her favored stablemate Hope Road and power clear by 4¾ lengths, stopping the clock at 1:21.79 over seven furlongs of Del Mar’s fast main track. It was a moment of triumph steeped in confidence and conviction — the culmination of quiet belief in a filly who had long promised a breakout.
A Day for Baffert and Prat
For Bob Baffert, this marked his 20th career Breeders’ Cup victory and second in this specific race, while Flavien Prat earned his eighth win at the World Championships. The pair’s success was vintage Del Mar — the local hero trainer, the Frenchman’s poise, and a mare perfectly tuned for the track.
“She’s been working really well and she loves this place,” Baffert said afterward. “When she ran here this summer, I knew she had that kind of move in her. When Flavien swooped outside today, it was over.”
Prat’s ride was a masterclass in patience. As Haulin Ice and Hope Road dueled through a brisk opening quarter of :22.12, Prat bided his time in the clear before unleashing Splendora’s sweeping run. “I was traveling well the whole way,” he said. “As soon as I went around them, she just gave me a great kick.”
The Battle Behind
Vahva, trained by Cherie DeVaux and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., ran a brave second — closing steadily but unable to match the winner’s acceleration. DeVaux was philosophical afterward. “She ran great,” she said. “The winner just had the jump on her. I’m proud of our filly — this was her last start, and she gave us everything.”
Hope Road, under Jose Ortiz, faded late to finish third, a length behind Vahva. “She was in a good spot early,” Ortiz said. “The winner was just too strong today.”
A Breakthrough Moment
The victory not only earned Splendora the winner’s share of $520,000, boosting her career total to $860,800, but also delivered her first graded-stakes title — a milestone that stamped her name among the weekend’s elite performances.
Bred in Maryland, the four-year-old daughter of Audible out of Miss Freeze (by Frost Giant) has matured into a formidable sprinter, and Baffert hinted that her best may still lie ahead.
In the spotlight of Breeders’ Cup Saturday, Splendora transformed promise into performance, capturing the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint with a breathtaking burst of speed. For Baffert, Prat, and Talla Racing, it was a statement victory — one that reaffirmed their mastery of championship moments.
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