American Gal carries Baffert's hopes in Sunday maiden race

DEL MAR, Calif. – The first-time starters American Gal and Fact of Life will be trainer Bob Baffert’s two hopes in Sunday’s seventh race at Del Mar, a maiden special weight race for 2-year-old fillies.

Baffert said on Friday that he has higher hopes for American Gal in the race at 5 1/2 furlongs.

“I give the edge to the Gal,” Baffert said.

Owned by breeder Kaleem Shah, American Gal, by Concord Point, has worked quickly from the gate on three occasions since late July. Rafael Bejarano has the mount.

Fact of Life, by The Factor, was purchased for $260,000 as a yearling. She needs experience, Baffert said.

“When she first got here, she was racy and wasn’t mentally ready for it,” he said. “I think she’s a filly that might need one.”

The maiden race has a field of 10, with four horses on the also-eligible list. Nine of the fillies in the main field are first-time starters, including Partyinthepaddock, purchased for $280,000 as a yearling; Sabi Sands, a $450,000 yearling; and Cho Has Zip, who was bought for $240,000 this year.

Hopefully, by Tiznow, drew an outside post for her debut. Trained by Ron Ellis for Samantha Siegel, Hopefully is out of Hope Rises, a minor stakes winner at Santa Anita. Ellis thinks a race will benefit Hopefully.

“I think she’s got talent,” Ellis said. “I don’t push them too much first time out.”