(from Belmont Park notes)
Indian Blessing, who romped to a 6 1/4-length win in the Gallant Bloom Handicap (gr. II) at Belmont Park, is scheduled to leave New York for Southern California Sept. 23 to prepare for her next assignment in the Sentient Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.
Tonja Terranova, who oversees trainer Bob Baffert’s horses in New York, reported Sept. 21 that the 2007 Juvenile Fillies champion returned from her powerful victory the day before in “super” shape. She has dominated female sprinters in New York in three consecutive races, including a pair of group I wins.
“Nothing fazes her,” said Terranova. “When I spoke with Bob after the race, he was absolutely thrilled. She’s been nothing but super.”
The Gallant Bloom was the eighth victory in 10 starts for the daughter of Indian Charlie. Owned by her breeders, Hal and Patti Earnhardt, Indian Blessing has four grade I wins and earnings of more than $2 million as she approaches her next test in the BC Filly & Mare Sprint, which is at Santa Anita Park on Oct. 24.
“It will be hard seeing that empty stall,” said Terranova, who has supervised Indian Blessing all summer. “But it’s time for her to move on.”