Theory Breaks Maiden Win at Santa Anita

In Theory, a three-year-old filly by Mendelssohn, trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Juan Hernandez, won her maiden race at Santa Anita Park by three lengths, leading wire-to-wire in the sixth race on March 23, 2024.

‣ In Theory, a three-year-old filly by Mendelssohn, broke her maiden at Santa Anita Park, winning by three lengths in a 6f race.
‣ The race took place on March 23, 2024, with In Theory being the 1-2 favorite and leading the race from start to finish under jockey Juan Hernandez.
‣ In Theory was purchased for $800,000 as a 2-year-old at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale, after initially being sold for $125,000 as a yearling at KEESEP.

#4 IN THEORY ($3.00) goes wire-to-wire to break her maiden in R6 at Santa Anita Park. The three-year-old filly by @CoolmoreAmerica's Mendelssohn is trained by Bob Baffert and was ridden by @JJHernandezS19. pic.twitter.com/aknEiuBjYU

— TVG (@TVG) March 23, 2024

Oh, what a day it was at Santa Anita! The sun was shining, the crowd was buzzing, and history was about to be made. It was Saturday, March 23, 2024, a day that would mark a significant milestone for a certain three-year-old filly.

At precisely 6:58 pm, the atmosphere was electric. Fans and bettors alike were on the edge of their seats, all eyes glued to the track. The anticipation was palpable. And then, it happened. In Theory, a name that would soon be on everyone’s lips, broke her maiden.

Riding under the skilled guidance of Juan Hernandez, In Theory was a force to be reckoned with. She bolted out of the gates with a determination that was clear for all to see. Her early lead was undeniable, setting a blistering pace with a :21.89 opening quarter. She’s No Angel tried to keep up, but alas, faded into the background.

As the favorite, with odds at 1-2, In Theory didn’t just meet expectations; she exceeded them. She turned for home, leading solo, and cruised to victory under a hand ride. The win was not just by a nose but a commanding three lengths over Queen of Naples. It was a sight to behold, a performance that had the crowd roaring and the commentators singing praises.

Now, let’s talk pedigree because, oh boy, does In Theory have it. Born from the union of Mendelssohn and Lady Hansen, she’s racing royalty. And let’s not forget the $800,000 price tag at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale last year. That’s not chump change, folks. It speaks volumes of her potential, now realized on the racetrack.

Her racing debut was nothing short of spectacular, earning her a cool $39,000. Not bad for a day’s work, right? And for those who love to follow the money, her journey from a $125,000 yearling to an $800,000 two-year-old is the stuff of legends.

Bob Baffert, her trainer, must be over the moon. And Juan Hernandez? Well, his ride was textbook perfection. Together, they’ve turned In Theory into a star. A tweet from TVG captured the moment beautifully, showcasing In Theory’s wire-to-wire victory. It’s a tweet that’s now etched in the annals of racing history.

So, there you have it. A day at Santa Anita that will be remembered for years to come. In Theory didn’t just break her maiden; she captured the hearts of racing fans everywhere. And as the sun set on Santa Anita, one thing was clear: In Theory is just getting started.