Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds’ Kentucky homebred Society drew clear late for an impressive score in Saturday’s $500,000 Ballerina Handicap (G1) at Saratoga. As the Ballerina is a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1), Society stamped her ticket to Del Mar for the November engagement.
Rated by jockey Tyler Gaffalione, Society tracked the early pace from second early in the seven-furlong fixture. She moved to the lead outside the quarter pole and responded well when put to a drive at the furlong marker. She edged clear late to win by a dominating 3 ¼ lengths from Scylla, stopping the clock in 1:22.
The daughter of Gun Runner is trained by Steve Asmussen. With the facile score, Society earned a berth in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. She finished fourth in the race last year and seventh in the 2022 renewal.
“The filly, I think that we’ve relaxed with who she is,” said Asmussen. “Been very direct with what races we are going to run her in, and I think that gives her just a little bit more confidence. I think age and patience and stuff [has improved her]. She’s just a beautiful filly that we are very fortunate to have her to race.”
Gaffilione said of the win, “This is a free-running filly. I just try to stay out of her way and get along with her. Steve knows her best and that’s kind of been the plan all along with her, so just try and get along. She’s always had this kind of effort in her.”
Society is now a winner in eight of 14 lifetime starts. The $275,000 winner’s share of the Ballerina purse increased her bankroll to $1,839,535.