Record Purchase Atlantic Ocean Breaks Her Maiden

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Atlantic Ocean, a record $1.9 million filly purchase at the March Barretts' sale for 2-year-olds, broke her maiden in her third attempt Thursday at Del Mar, defeating a field of seven opponents going a mile.

Owned by The Thoroughbred Corporation and trained by Bob Baffert, the strapping Florida-bred daughter of Stormy Atlantic out of the Seattle Slew mare Super Chef was making her first start around two turns. The race was for a $52,000 purse.

Her purchase price, by the late Prince Ahmed Salman, was the most ever paid for a juvenile filly at public auction.

The winning time of 1:39.36 was unimpressive, but she appeared to tire in the stretch after setting early fractions of :22 and :45 3/5 and opening a wide lead over the field. She won by three lengths over another Baffert trainee, the Mike Pegram-owned Small Town Girl.

Ridden by Mike Smith, Atlantic Ocean had blinkers removed by Baffert after running fourth in her most recent race Aug. 4.

The 6-5 favorite returned $4.40 for the victory.

(Chart, Equibase)

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