Be Your Best (IRE) delivered a masterful front-running performance to capture her first Grade 1 victory in the $300,000 Gamely Stakes at Santa Anita Park on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Expertly rated by jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., the five-year-old Irish-bred mare controlled the pace from the outset and drew away convincingly in the stretch to win by 2 3/4 lengths.
This win also marked the first-ever victory at Santa Anita for her Florida-based trainer, Saffie Joseph Jr.
Breaking sharply from an inside post, Be Your Best (IRE) immediately went to the lead. “When we got to be on the lead, I left her be comfortable – and let the others try to chase me,” Ortiz Jr. recounted.
She set early fractions of 22.99 seconds for the quarter-mile and 46.15 for the half-mile.
“On the backstretch, I took a little hold. She was on the bridle. She let me know she was ready to go. At the three-eighths pole, I started rolling.”
The strategy proved flawless. As they entered the stretch, Be Your Best (IRE) extended her advantage, showing no signs of tiring.
She completed the 1-1/8 miles on the firm turf course in a swift 1:46.26, the fastest time in the Gamely Stakes since Lady Eli in 2017.
Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. commented on the mare’s performance and the decision to race at Santa Anita: “We knew she needed firm going on the turf and that is why we brought her out here. Her last race (at Keenland), we got a lot of rain and she didn’t like it. She is a very good filly and she showed it today. This is really big for us. We will see what the future brings for her.”
Irad Ortiz Jr. also noted her improvement, stating, “I think she has been improving the last couple of times this year. She has been getting mentally better, relaxes, and gives me a good run in the end. I am happy with her.”
Lady Claypoole (IRE), winner of the Grade 3 Santa Ana Stakes earlier in the year, closed from sixth to finish second, with her trainer Richard Baltas expressing satisfaction: “She ran her race. She got a Grade 1 second. I’m pretty happy with her, her effort, and the ride. There was no speed in the race.”
Liguria, winner of the Grade 2 Buena Vista Stakes in March, finished third. The 9-5 favorite, No Show Sammy Jo (GB), broke through the gate before the start and faded after being prominent early.
Owned by Michael J. Ryan and bred in Ireland by St. Croix Bloodstock, Be Your Best (IRE) now boasts six wins from 20 career starts and earnings exceeding $1 million. This Gamely Stakes victory was her fourth stakes win in her last five starts.
Scratched Horse(s): Alpha Bella (Trainer), Where’s My Ring (Trainer)
Fractional Times: 22.99, 46.15, 1:09.75, 1:33.58
Final Time: 1:46.26
Winning Connections
- Winner: Be Your Best (IRE)
- Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
- Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.
- Owner: Michael J. Ryan
- Breeder: St. Croix Bloodstock (IRE)
- Bloodline: Bay Mare, by Muhaarar (GB) out of Kamakura, by Medaglia d’Oro. Foaled Feb 27, 2020 in Ireland.
Muhaara (GB) stands at the Haras du Petit Tellier in Sevigny, France for €14,000.
Payouts
- (8) Be Your Best (IRE) – Win: $6.20, Place: $3.80, Show: $3.00
- (1) Lady Claypoole (IRE) – Place: $8.20, Show: $4.60
- (7) Liguria – Show: $5.00
- $1.00 Exacta (8-1) Paid: $21.30
- $1.00 Trifecta (8-1-7) Paid: $132.10
- $0.10 Superfecta (8-1-7-6) Paid: $80.76 (Source: PDF upload)
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