Bulletproof One trying something new in CTBA Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. – Bulletproof One is unbeaten after two starts and will be asked to try something different in Wednesday’s $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes at Del Mar – race against fillies.

Bulletproof One won her debut in a maiden special weight race against males in open company by eight lengths at Golden Gate Fields on May 11. She beat California-bred males in the Everett Nevin Stakes by 9 1/4 lengths at 5 1/2 furlongs at Pleasanton on July 6.

Those races caught the attention of Gary Barber and Eclipse Thoroughbreds, which recently bought Bulletproof One and transferred the filly to Peter Miller’s stable. Bulletproof One was previously owned and trained by Ellen Jackson.

Over the weekend, Miller said the purchase price was “undisclosed.”

“She acts like she has a lot of class,” Miller said.

Bulletproof One will be favored in the CTBA Stakes, which is run at 5 1/2 furlongs for California-bred fillies. She is the only stakes winner in a field of eight that includes Nevin runner-up Roses for Laura as well as Cholula Lips, who was second in the Debutante Stakes against open company at Churchill Downs on June 29.

Trainer Brian Koriner has two starters, each of whom won a maiden race for statebred fillies at Santa Anita in June – None of Your Biz and Unchain Her Heart. The CTBA Stakes will be the second start for each of them.

KEY CONTENDERS

Bulletproof One, by Idiot Proof
Beyers: 69-58

◗ Bulletproof One led throughout her first two races and was well clear in early stretch in both starts. She is expected to set the pace on Wednesday under jockey Norberto Arroyo Jr.

“There are not a lot of tactics,” Miller said.

◗ Bulletproof One had a half-mile workout in 51 seconds at Del Mar last Friday.

“We gave her an easy breeze to give her a feel of the track,” Miller said. “She’s decent-sized and has a big stride. She’s not speed crazy. She’s very fast.”

◗ There are two stakes for California-bred 2-year-old fillies at the Del Mar summer meeting. Many of the runners from Wednesday’s race could start in the $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes at six furlongs on Aug. 28.

◗ Miller said the CTBA Stakes offers a chance to gain a quick return with Bulletproof One.

“That’s the hope,” he said.

Cholula Lips, by Empire Way
Beyers: 73-56

◗ Cholula Lips, trained by Mike Harrington for Terry Lovingier and Amanda Navarro, led throughout against statebred fillies in a maiden special weight race at 4 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita on May 24. She was 21-1 in that race, her debut.

◗ In the Debutante Stakes at six furlongs, Cholula Lips contested the early pace, led on the turn, and was beaten 1 1/2 lengths by Magic Dance. Lady Glamour, who finished third, returned to win an allowance race at Ellis Park on July 26.

◗ Cholula Lips could be well positioned near the front of this field from an outside post.