Bottle of Rouge, a 2-year-old filly trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by jockey Mike Smith, secured Baffert’s 12th win in the Del Mar Debutante Stakes (G1) on September 6, marking the first time Smith and Baffert teamed up for this victory. Despite being the third betting choice at 9-1, Bottle of Rouge overcame a rough start and a challenging trip, including going four wide on the turn, to outfinish favored stablemates Explora and Himika. Owned by Natalie J. Baffert and bred by Kathie Maybee, the filly is sired by Vino Rosso, a champion older dirt male and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner standing at Spendthrift Farm.

Baffert, known for dominating Del Mar’s 2-year-old races, entered three horses in the race, with Bottle of Rouge dubbed the “other, other” Baffert by bettors due to her longer odds compared to the more expensive Explora and Himika. Jill Baffert, Bob’s wife, played a key role in securing Mike Smith as the jockey, insisting he ride the filly. Bottle of Rouge’s victory highlights her impressive pedigree and performance, having previously won her maiden by 6 3/4 lengths and sold for a modest $100,000 at the 2024 Keeneland yearling sale, contrasting with the higher prices paid for her stablemates.