The $100,000 Senorita Stakes (gr. III) ended tragically for the victorious Bobina, who broke down a stride past the wire and was euthanized May 5 at Betfair Hollywood Park.
Bobina fractured the fetlock of her right foreleg, according to racetrack officials. Jockey Victor Espinoza was thrown as the filly went down. He was able to rise on his own power after a few minutes but took off his next two mounts.
The 3-1 second choice in the field of seven sophomore fillies, Bobina was making her stakes debut in the one-mile turf event. The Malibu Moon filly, trained by A.C. Avila for owner/breeder Haras Santa Maria de Araras, rallied from last at the half-mile pole to win by a nose over My Gi Gi. The final time was 1:35.18.
Bobina won all three of her starts, beginning her career March 31 with a 2 1/4-length victory over maidens on the turf at Santa Anita Park. She returned April 13 with a half-length triumph in an off-the-turf allowance heat at Santa Anita.
Rallying four-wide into the stretch, Bobina won with strong urging from Espinoza and was under a full drive to the wire when she bumped slightly with My Gi Gi late and fell. Jockey Kevin Krigger, aboard My Gi Gi, claimed foul against the winner but it was disallowed by stewards.
"She was running unbelievable, as hard as she could," said Espinoza, who said he injured a finger in the fall. "She bobbled a little for one step just before the wire and I tried to hold her together. Next thing I know, she just went down. For a minute I thought I was going to handle it, but it was impossible. It was just one wrong step. There was no warning. She didn't give me any sign that anything was bothering her."
British-bred Byrama finished third under Jose Valdivia Jr., one length behind the first two. Irish-bred Graser finished fourth as the slight 2-1 favorite. Then came Via Villaggio, followed by pacesetters Belle Passe and Light of Life, who vied through fractions of :23.89, :47.52, and 1:22.94 before giving way.
Bobina, out of the Dynaformer mare Maliziosa, paid $8, $4.60, $3.40. My Gi Gi returned $8.80 and $4.60. The exacta was worth $72.80. Byrama paid $3.
