Visually, a 17-1 outsider, won the GIII Senorita S. at Santa Anita, marking her first stakes win and providing both her trainer Librado Barocio and her sire Enticed with their first graded victories, after racing without blinkers for the first time and moving from mid-pack to lead in the final stretch.
‣ Visually, a horse trained by Librado Barocio and sired by Enticed, won her first stakes race at the GIII Senorita S. at Santa Anita, marking the first graded victory for both her trainer and sire.
‣ The decision to race Visually without blinkers for the first time in her career was pivotal, helping her to relax during the race and ultimately secure the win.
‣ Trainer Librado Barocio has seen significant growth in his career, with an expanding stable and increasing success in races, highlighted by Visually’s win at the Senorita Stakes.
https://t.co/TZ7k1bwbS1
In a thrilling display of speed and agility, Visually surged ahead in the final moments. It was a sight to behold, her claiming her first stakes win at the GIII Senorita S. at Santa Anita. This victory wasn’t just hers alone. It marked a significant milestone for trainer Librado Barocio and her sire, Enticed, gifting them their first graded victories.
For the first time, Visually raced without blinkers. It was a gamble. Yet, at odds of 17-1, she found her rhythm, settling mid-pack with an ease that belied her outsider status. The opening quarter flew by in :21.85.
Then, something magical happened. She glided up the center, overtaking her competitors with a grace that seemed almost effortless. By the final furlong, she was leading, and she crossed the finish line with a confidence that left spectators in awe.
Jockey Edwin Maldonado couldn’t hide his excitement. “We decided to sit behind the speed,” he shared, a strategy that paid off handsomely. Once Visually relaxed, Maldonado knew victory was within reach. “She did the rest,” he said, pride evident in his voice.
The decision to remove her blinkers was a turning point, according to Barocio. It allowed Visually to see her surroundings, to really see them, perhaps for the first time in her racing career. “She just took off,” Barocio recounted, a hint of wonder in his voice.
Barocio’s journey to this moment was not an overnight success. With a career that saw no more than 45 starters in a season until 2022, his perseverance is a story of dedication. Last year, his achievements soared with 24 wins from 178 starters. The Senorita was his 11th win this year, a testament to his growing legacy.
Gratitude was the theme of Barocio’s victory speech. He thanked everyone from California Racing Partners to Ciaglia Racing and the Fick brothers. “It was heaven sent,” he said, acknowledging the divine hand he felt in their success.
Visually’s journey to this win was not straightforward. Her maiden victory came on her fifth attempt, a testament to her growing prowess and the team’s unwavering faith in her abilities.
Her pedigree is notable, with Enticed making waves with his first crop of racers. Visually stands out as his first graded winner, a beacon of potential for what’s to come.
The sale of Eye Candy Annie’s yearling filly last year for $190,000 underscores the family’s promising genetics. It’s a lineage marked by success and potential, a thrilling prospect for the future.
Sunday’s race at Santa Anita was more than just a competition. It was a narrative of perseverance, strategy, and ultimately, triumph. Visually’s win at the Senorita S.-GIII is a chapter in a larger story, one that speaks to the heart of horse racing.
And so, the world of horse racing buzzes with excitement. Darley in America’s tweet captures the essence of this victory, a moment of pride and joy shared with the world. Congratulations to Visually and all her connections. Their journey is a reminder of the beauty and unpredictability of this sport.
