Del Mar: Clenor impresses in Oak Tree Juvenile Fillies Turf

DEL MAR, Calif. – Clenor thrust herself into the main conversation for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf with an authoritative victory Monday in the $100,750 Oak Tree Juvenile Fillies Turf at Del Mar.

Clenor ($3.80) was heavily favored following an impressive win against maidens Aug. 7, and she improved upon that performance Monday. She settled well behind a hot pace in the one-mile race, effortlessly moved into contention on the turn, patiently sat behind the leaders until turning into the stretch, then breezed past them under Rafael Bejarano to win by 3 1/4 lengths.

She completed one mile on firm turf in 1:34.64.

Nesso, who set blistering fractions of 22.14 seconds, 45.93, and 1:10.43, held on for second, 1 3/4 lengths in front of Pleasant Miss. Sensational Nikki, E Equalsmcsquared, Venetian, Perched, and One More Wild Ride completed the order of finish.

“She ran well in that first one here, but she ran much, much better this time,” Bejarano said.

Doug O’Neill trains Clenor, a daughter of Oratorio, for a partnership. She was purchased privately following three losses, including a third-place finish in a Group 3 stakes at The Curragh, in her native Ireland. In both of her starts in this country, she has used Lasix, which is not permitted for 2-year-old races at this year’s Breeders’ Cup.

“What a filly; so exciting to see her run the way she does,” O’Neill said. “As long as she stays healthy, she’s Breeders’ Cup bound.”