Bob Baffert may have a diamond in the making, it took only a short time for KALEA BAY to put it all together and get a brilliant ride from one Flavien Prat. This summer of 2024 at Del Mar meet would see that Kalea Bay have two previous placements, as it turns out the third time was the charm at Santa Anita in a MSW going 6 furlongs and it truly paid off for this Baffert trained colt owned by Starlight racing and Madaket stables LLC, et al.
Kalea Bay breaks his maiden at Santa Anita PHOTO CREDIT: Nancy Wilkinson/Horse Racing Today Photographer
It was special day at Santa Anita with the inaugural running of the California Crown. The day that also featured five stake races on the card. But this MSW was a highlight on the day with a strong field of two-year-olds. Even though Kalea Bay did some slight bumping at the beginning with SMARTIER, it didn’t pahse phase him as if to say what else you got? Kalea Bay didn’t skip a beat.
Kalea Bay had gone off as the post time favorite, with note like most Baffert horses do, and he has a way with 2-year-olds. Kalea Bay took command not long after to fractions of 21:63 and 44:45 he was just never really challenge any point during the race. He put away his six rivals, all of whom are talented runners The Baffert trainee simply said sorry not today, it is my day. He convincingly won by 8 1/2 lengths in the end, when given the go Kalea Bay did just that.
Kalea Bay racehorse – trained by Bob Baffert PHOTO CREDIT: Nancy Wilkinson/Horse Racing Today Photographer
A son of top sire Into Mischief out of For Royalty who has been a producer of some very fine foals. Looking forward, the sky could be the limit with this colt coming along. Kalea Bay has a win, place and show in his three races.
California Crown Stakes
The first California Crown has gone down with a thrilling finish for all in attendance both fans and horseman alike. In a big upset, by Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandela, the Argentine bred SUBSANADOR enjoyed a brilliant ride by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith.
California Crown winner Subsanador. PHOTO CREDIT: Nancy Wilkinson/Horse Racing Today Photographer
Smith held off a pair of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert’s horses, National Treasure and Newgate. Subsanador beat National Treasure by a head. Subsanador ran the mile and 1/8 in a time of 1:48.68, the Baffert trained horses of National Treasure held off his stable mate by a nose. Overall, enthusiasm at Santa Anita was electric for the inaugural event. With this now in the books, next year’s rendition looks to be even bigger, although, it could be difficult to top the thrilling, three-way finish.
2024 California Crown Stakes Photo Finish: PHOTO CREDIT: Nancy Wilkinson/Horse Racing Today Photographer
