Holmby looks to ace two-turn test for Baffert in Grade II Oak Leaf Stakes

Holmby going two turns for first time Saturday, Benoit Photo

Santa Anita Park Press

ARCADIA, CA —Holmby, winner of the GIII Sorrento Stakes sprinting at Del Mar in August when making her second start, makes her two-turn debut for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert on Saturday in the Grade II, $200,000 Oak Leaf Stakes presented by Oak Tree Association for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita Park. As part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series, the winner of the Oak Leaf earns a fees-paid berth to the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on Oct. 30 at Keeneland Race Course.

Holmby, by 2021 champion 2-year-old colt Corniche, graduated on debut at Del Mar in July then came right back a month later to win the six-furlong Sorrento by a neck. In the GI Del Mar Debutante on Sept. 5 going seven furlongs, Holmby stalked the pace and proved no match for standout winner Miss Monica when finishing third. She is owned by By Talla Racing and will have Ricky Gonzalez in the irons.

Trainer Michael McCarthy sends out Free Closer, who was fourth in the Debutante. A California-bred daughter of Pavel owned by Reddam Racing, Free Closer previously rolled to a dominant 8 ¼ -length win in the CTBA Stakes for statebreds going 5 ½ furlongs on Aug. 2 at Del Mar. She’ll be ridden by Joel Rosario for the first time.

Also entered for Baffert are Quattro Passi and Deluge.

Quattro Passi rolled to an 9 ¼-length maiden win at Del Mar in her second start going six furlongs on Sept. 6. By Girvin, Quattro Passi was purchased by owner Debbie Lanni for $190,000 at the 2025 Keeneland September yearling sale. She’ll have regular rider Mike Smith.

Deluge, by Maximus Mischief, beat maidens in her only start going five furlongs on turf at Del Mar on Aug. 28. A $280,000 auction purchase earlier this year, Deluge is also owned by By Talla Racing and will have Juan Hernandez aboard.

The Oak Leaf is an official stop on the Road to the 2027 Kentucky Oaks and qualifying points will be awarded.

THE GRADE II OAK LEAF STAKES WITH JOCKEYS & WEIGHTS IN POST POSITION ORDER

Race 3 of 10 Approximate post time 2 p.m. PT

1. Quattro Passi—Mike Smith—122
2. Holmby—Ricky Gonzalez—122
3. Domain Expansion—Adrian Escobedo—122
4. Free Closer—Joel Rosario—122
5. Janie Not Jeanie—Kazushi Kimura—122
6. Deluge—Juan Hernandez–122

First post Saturday is at 1 p.m. PT.