By J.N. Campbell
Tuned for a big debut performance and well-supported by the betting public at 30 cents on the dollar, it was Cipriani (Bernardini–Salamera, by Successful Appeal) who had DeLorean-like flames behind her as she blazed a trail home to graduate at the 'Great Race Place' on Sunday afternoon.
The $875,000 OBS grad, who was taken home in March by Speedway as the fifth highest return through the ring, showed interest early, but was not quite quick enough as a longshot and American Blessing (American Pharoah) tussled for the lead up the backstretch. The Bob Baffert trainee gave chase heading into the far turn and was not at all done. At the top of the lane, the filly fanned three wide and began to uncork. Cipriani proceeded to run up the score and was home by 8 1/4 lengths in the end. American Blessing was second.
The latest list-making 'Rising Star' is out of Salamera. This dam is also responsible for a yearling filly by Gun Runner, who Mike Repole took home for $300,000 at this year's Keeneland September Sale. Salamera foaled a colt by Early Voting Apr. 26 and she was entered in Gunite's book for next term. The winner's extended female family includes MSW/GISP Outadore (Outwork) and that gelding's older sister, MSW/GISP Piedi Bianchi (Overanalyze).
Cipriani is the 21st 'TDN Rising Star' for the impactful Bernardini (by A.P. Indy), who we lost in 2021.
6th-Santa Anita, $54,000, Msw, 10-27, 2yo, f, 6 1/2f, 1:18.68, ft, 8 1/4 lengths.
CIPRIANI, f, 2, Bernardini
1st Dam: Salamera {SW & GSP, $202,663},
by Successful Appeal.
2nd Dam: Autumn Music, by Unbridled's Song.
3rd Dam: October Beauty, by Flying Paster.
Sales History: $875,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $32,400. Click for the Equibase.com chart and VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.
O-Speedway Stables LLC; B-EICO Ventures (KY); T-Bob Baffert.
#1 CIPRIANI ($2.60) impresses in her career debut, winning the 6th race at @santaanitapark with ease. @JJHernandezS19 was aboard the two-year-old Bernardini filly for trainer @BobBaffert. pic.twitter.com/OQ9YEOHMzl
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 27, 2024
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