Didia's triumph in Rodeo Drive could serve as tune-up for BC Filly and Mare Turf

ARCADIA, Calif. - In the first stage of her career, Didia was a two-time Group 1 winner in Argentina in 2021.

More recently, she has developed an admirably consistent record in the United States, winning five of six starts, including the Grade 2 Rodeo Drive Stakes at Santa Anita on Saturday.

Didia’s life could have widespread changes in the first week of November. With the win in the $301,500 Rodeo Drive Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf, Didia earned a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Santa Anita on Nov. 4.

Three days later, the 5-year-old Argentine-bred mare is scheduled to be sold as Hip No. 224 at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale in Kentucky, one of the nation’s most prestigious auctions. Whether Didia is immediately flown from California to Kentucky for the sale is unclear, and could be a late decision, according to trainer Ignacio Correas.

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“I guess after the Breeders’ Cup, we’ll see what they will do,” he said.

Owned by Merriebelle Stable, Didia returned from a four-month layoff to record an attractive win in the Rodeo Drive. Ridden by Vincent Cheminaud, in his first career mount at Santa Anita, Didia closed from fifth in a field of eight to take the lead in early stretch. She drew off to win by 1 3/4 lengths as the 11-10 favorite.

“In Argentina, they thought she was a once-in-a-lifetime horse,” Correas said. “We always thought she was outstanding.”

The $2 million BC Filly and Mare Turf is run over the same distance as the Rodeo Drive. Correas is hopeful that the win on Saturday will give Didia an edge over what is expected to be a tough group of rivals from the rest of the United States and overseas.

Didia will remain in California for the build-up to the Breeders’ Cup.

“Now, it’s a matter of (knowing) what will come,” Correas said of the competition. “More than likely, the best one will win. Hopefully, it will be us.”

The 3-year-old filly Anisette was second in the Rodeo Drive in her first start against older fillies and mares in a stakes and first start at 1 1/4 miles. She closed from sixth in the final quarter-mile.

Trainer Leonard Powell said on Sunday that Anisette is unlikely to start in the BC Filly and Mare Turf, but could run against males in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby, a $300,000 race at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Del Mar on Dec. 2

“That would be an option,” Powell said. “I don’t think the Breeders’ Cup is in the plans.”

The Grade 1 American Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/4 miles on turf at Santa Anita on Dec. 26 is another potential late-season target for Anisette, who had a four-race winning streak end in the Rodeo Drive. The streak included a victory in the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Del Mar in August.

“I think she’ll be a nice 4-year-old and we’re looking forward to that,” Powell said.

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