G1 Santa Anita Oaks second for Flor De La Mar

Promising three-year-old filly Flor De La Mar, racing for just the third time, finished runner-up in the G1 Santa Anita Oaks over an extended mile on dirt at Santa Anita, USA, on Saturday, 6 April.

The Tiznow filly, trained by Bob Baffert, impressed on debut with an easy victory over six and a half furlongs in January, but then disappointed when fifth on a sloppy track in a seven-furlong allowance optional claimer 2 March.

Flor De La Mar, partnered Joel Rosario, broke fast from stall one in the field of four and led into the first turn before being headed. She raced as a close second and went back to the front with three furlongs remaining.

Previous G1 winner Bellafina came to challenge at the two-furlong pole and headed Flor De La Mer turning in.

Flor De La Mer was slightly hampered after straightening up and kept on to go down by five and a quarter lengths to Bellafina, who stopped the clock at 1m 45.47s, with another three and a half lengths to the third Chasing Yesterday.

Godolphin USA President Jimmy Bell said: “To finish second in a G1 is very good news and a positive step forward on only her third start.

“It is the sort of progression we were looking for on her first start around two turns – we feel very encouraged by this big performance.

“The jockey said that Flor De La Mar was very professional and we will now discuss with Bob where to go next.”