Bred by Harry T. Mangurian Jr., Splendid Blended is a half-sister to graded stakes winner Richly Blended and is out of the Valid Appeal mare Valid Blend. Breeding plans will be announced later.
Splendid Blended, a two-time grade I-winning filly, has been retired from racing because of trainer Neil Drysdale's concern over her suspensory ligament, according to Daily Racing Form. Drysdale was dissatisfied with her recent workout at Del Mar and the decision was made to retire her. The 3-year-old daughter of Unbridled's Song won the Vanity Invitational Handicap (gr. I) at Hollywood Park in her last start.Racing for Peter Vegso, Splendid Blended became the first 3-year-old to win the Vanity since It's in the Air won in 1979. Splendid Blended beat top racemare Island Fashion by a head in the 1 1/8-mile race. In her only other start this year, Splendid Blended ran a close fourth in the Acorn Stakes (gr. I).As a 2-year-old, Splendid Blended won or placed in all four starts. She won three races, including the Hollywood Starlet Stakes (gr. I), and ran second to subsequent champion Sweet Catomine in the Oak Leaf Stakes (gr. II) at Oak Tree. She retired with four wins from six starts and earnings of $519,900.
