Santa Anita: Santa Margarita next target for Ellafitz

Bob Baffert was enjoying an easy Sunday morning, one day after sending out Ellafitz to victory in the Santa Maria Stakes, and both Mamma Kimbo and Paynter to impressive victories in their debuts.

“That was a good day,” Baffert said.

Baffert said Ellafitz would come back in next month’s Santa Margarita, the biggest race of the season for older fillies and mares.

Plans are uncertain for Mamma Kimbo and Paynter, but both won impressively. Mamma Kimbo, a filly, flew six furlongs in 1:07.94 while winning by 5 1/4 lengths. She was awarded a 101 Beyer Speed Figure.

“We knew she was good, but I didn’t think she’d go 1:07 and 4,” Baffert said. “I thought I had her ready to go 1:08 and 4. She exceeded my expectations by five lengths.”

Paynter, a colt, rallied to win a 5 1/2-furlong race by 4 1/4 lengths in 1:02.98 despite having a piece of equipment come loose, causing him to throw his head in the stretch. He got a 79 Beyer.

“It kept hitting him in the ear. He didn’t like it. He must have thought he had a fly,” Baffert said.