With close call behind her, Inspiressa makes debut

DEL MAR, Calif. – Inspiressa will have her career debut in a maiden special weight race for 2-year-old fillies in Sunday’s fourth race at Del Mar.

She has already become a sentimental favorite for trainer John Sadler after an incident during training hours here on July 18 when Inspiressa narrowly avoided a collision that caused the death of two horses.

Sadler recalled on Friday that Inspiressa was working around the clubhouse turn under jockey Victor Espinoza when a horse unseated his rider, reversed direction, and ran into the path of horses working on the turn. The riderless horse collided with a runner who was working alongside Inspiressa, Sadler said.

“It was so scary,” Sadler said. “It happened so fast. They had no time to react.”

After the near-miss, Sadler decided to wait a few weeks to prepare Inspiressa for her debut.

“I had to take my time,” he said.

Inspiressa was purchased for $850,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s auction of 2-year-olds in training in March. She was the most expensive filly of the sale. Owned by Pete and Kosta Hronis, William Sandbrook and West Point Thoroughbreds, Inspiressa is part of a tough field. She is likely to be near the front under Espinoza.

“I don’t think she’s all speed, but she is fast,” Sadler said.

The race drew a field of eight. The favorite may be America’s Surprise, who is by American Pharoah and is a half-sister to the two-time champion Songbird. Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer trained Songbird and has America’s Surprise, who starts from the outside post.

“She’s been steadily improving,” Hollendorfer said. “She’s pretty quick. I prefer to have an outside post. It gives her a better chance to be clear.”

There will also be support for Superstition, a full sister to the stakes winner Gloryzapper trained by Richard Mandella, and Bast, who is by Uncle Mo and is trained by Bob Baffert. Both have worked quickly in recent weeks.