Contested now 4 in 5 starts, after landing an easy Acorn victory
Owned by Natalie Jill Baffert, trainer Bob Baffert’s wife, the 3-year-old filly, Contested, was going into the Grade 1, $300,000 Acorn Stakes off a splendid 4 ¾ victory in the Eight Belles Stakes – which was the reason why the filly was sent as the even
money choice in the Acorn Stakes, and she didn’t disappoint.
Bred in Kentucky by Cherry Valley Farm, Contested romped to an easy victory in the Acorn Stakes, where under jockey Javier Castellano broke from the rail, and never looked back, as she was shot to the lead in a field of 6, 3-year-old fillies to run over
a distance of 1 mile on 28 May, 2012.
Thomas Albertrani trained, Zo Impressive, under jockey Rajiv Maragh and Aubby K under jockey Edgar Prado took up the chase, but at the first quarter mile, Contested was well clear with three lengths ahead of the then-second place runner.
The Ghostzapper filly was rampant enough in the opening stages of the race, as she opened up a four length lead at the midpoint of the race, while she carved the opening quarter mile fractions in 22.64 seconds, half mile in 45.19 seconds, and six furlongs
in 1 minute and 9.32 seconds.
Rounding off the bend, Castellano urged Contested to give a little more in the stretch to ensure the victory, as the filly responded and started putting in longer strides, but the eventual challenge at the end came from Aubby K, who drew two lengths to the
leader, while On Fire Baby along with Zo Impressive rallied at the rail, and also came in striking distance.
However, Contested had a lot left in her, as she spurted away to post a magnificent victory in 1 minute and 34.61 seconds, as Zo Impressive finished second, Aubby K third, and On Fire Baby, who was never in contention finished fourth.
“She is really an amazing filly," Castellano said. "I hadn’t ridden her before, only watched the replays a couple of times. What she does, she does so easily. I just wanted to sit still and not move until it was the right time, and the right place. She enjoyed
the trip and just galloped.”
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