Ruben Islas and Michele Arthur’s 2-year-old colt Intrepido, trained by Jeff Mullins and ridden by Hector Berrios, earned a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile by winning the Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes at Santa Anita Park. Despite facing a strong contingent of Bob Baffert-trained horses, including the favorite Desert Gate, Intrepido overcame traffic troubles and timed his stretch run perfectly to win by three-quarters of a length. Bred by Sierra Fria Farm and sired by Maximus Mischief, Intrepido was purchased for $385,000 and is owned by Dutch Girl Holdings LLC and Irving Ventures LLC. This victory also earned him valuable points toward the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
On the same card, Bob Baffert secured a major win with Explora in the Oak Leaf Stakes (G2), earning a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies berth. Explora, a daughter of Blame, won decisively after Baffert removed her blinkers, allowing her to relax and finish strongly. Other notable winners included Tamara, a 4-year-old filly by Bolt d’Oro who won the Chillingworth Stakes (G3) and aims for the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, and Mission of Joy, who captured the rodeo Drive Stakes (G2T) for trainer Philip D’Amato, earning a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. These performances highlight key contenders preparing for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup events.
