Blue Diva delivers Miss America victory in first start off claim

When owner Frances Rainin pointed out Blue Diva as a possible claim, trainer Ari Herbertson was happy to oblige, haltering the 3-year-old filly for $25,000 on Nov. 23.

The decision paid off almost immediately, as Blue Diva ($14.40) won the $60,900 Miss America on closing day Sunday at Golden Gate Fields.

“She brought her to my attention, but I always liked the filly,” said Herbertson. “She was a 3-year-old who had beaten older, and I thought she'd be a nice claim.”

While the Miss America was listed as a turf race in the condition book, it was transferred to the main track prior to entries being taken. Blue Diva was was the only runner in the field of nine fillies and mares with more than one victory over Golden Gate's Tapeta surface.

Herbertson said the surface switch “changed the whole dynamics of the race” and credited winning jockey Juan Hernandez, who won the meet ricing title, with giving the Bluegrass Cat filly a flawless ride in the race won in 1:43.67.

Hernandez settled her nicely in midpack of the the 1 1/16-mile race while saving ground. He began to advance after turning for home, taking advantage of an opening between rivals to make a strong move, and pulled away to win the race by three-quarters of a length over late-running Renny's Lady, the longest shot of three runners for trainer Manny Badilla who ran second, fourth, and fifth. Renny's Lady edged Heathers Grey by a head for third.

“Juan rode a great race,” said Herbertson. “He seems to move horses up and knew just when to go on her.”

Herbertson also credited groom Robin Vasquez – who also cares for Mila's Dream, the trainer's Irish-bred debut winner last Thursday – for his work with the filly.

The victory was worth $30,700 and, perhaps more importantly, earned black type for Blue Diva, who has a career record of six wins in 17 starts and earnings of $158,469.