In a display of sheer class and determination, the exceptional mare AG Bullet silenced any doubters by storming past her male counterparts to claim a memorable victory in the Grade 1, $500,000 Jaipur Stakes at Saratoga. The victory for the 5-year-old daughter of Twirling Candy not only added a coveted Grade 1 to her impressive resume but also punched her ticket to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar later this year.
The path to victory wasn’t without its dramatic twists. Originally scheduled for the Belmont Stakes day card, the Jaipur, a 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint, was rescheduled to the following day due to heavy rain. The delay led to a significant rider change, with Hall of Famer John Velazquez taking over for Flavien Prat, who had a prior commitment. The change proved to be a winning one.
Breaking sharply, AG Bullet settled comfortably in a stalking position, just off the pace set by the speedy Coppola. As the field turned for home, Velazquez made his move. With a powerful surge, AG Bullet responded, effortlessly taking command in the stretch and drawing away to a convincing two-length victory. My Boy Prince battled gamely for second, with Alogon finishing a close third.
“She was so good, did everything perfect,” a beaming Velazquez said after the race. “Broke well, like we were expecting… when I asked her to go, she was there for me. It was pretty easy.”
Trainer Richard Baltas was equally ecstatic. “Over the moon,” he exclaimed. “It’s been an up and down thing with this filly. She was overachieving last year. We tried to get her a Grade 1… and now she has a Grade 1 win and she’s a very valuable filly.”
This victory was a redemption of sorts for AG Bullet, who had a troubled trip in her previous start. With this powerful performance, she has now solidified her status as one of the top turf sprinters in the country and will be a major contender in the Breeders’ Cup.
Scratched Horse(s): none
Fractional Times: 22.52 45.80 1:03.62
Final Time: 1:03.62
Winning Connections
Winner: AG Bullet
Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Owner: Calvin Nguyen and Joey C. Tran
Breeder: H & E Ranch
Bloodline: Gray or Roan Mare, by Twirling Candy out of Noble Grey, by Forestry. Foaled in Kentucky.
Stallion Info: Twirling Candy is standing at Lane’s End in Versailles, KY ($60,000 Live Foal / Stands & Nurses)
Payouts
1st – (9) AG Bullet – Win: $7.70, Place: $4.50, Show: $3.30
2nd – (8) My Boy Prince – Place: $6.00, Show: $4.40
3rd – (10) Alogon – Show: $12.20
Exotics: $1.00 Exacta (9-8) Paid: $21.50, $0.50 Trifecta (9-8-10) Paid: $126.75, $0.10 Superfecta (9-8-10-2) Paid: $97.30
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