Cicero Farms’ Kentucky homebred Hope Road, trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, captured her first top-level trophy with a statement win in Saturday’s 47th running of the $500,000 Ballerina Stakes (G1).

The 4-year-old filly’s dam, Cicero Farms’ Marley’s Freedom, won her first Grade 1 race in the 2018 edition of this race for Baffert.

“The same connections, seven years later, we come back and we win,” said an elated Cicero Farms owner Barbara Perry.

Baffert, who watched the race from his Del Mar base, said via phone, “I’m so happy for the owners—I won that race with her mother and they really appreciate those big wins like that. It’s pretty rare to do that. They’re passionate owners and horse crazy and I wish I could have been there with them to watch them cheer for their horse.

“There’s nothing better to me in racing than to win a Grade 1 at Saratoga—that is huge, especially on Travers Day,” Baffert added. “That is really huge in this business. I just wish I could have been there to enjoy it with them. I’m so proud of my crew there.”

Hope Road is Breeders’ Cup Bound

With the victory, Hope Road, a daughter of Quality Road, was guaranteed a starting gate spot for the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) in November at Del Mar through the “Win and You’re In” Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.

Hope Road made her move in the far turn and while racing outside of Scylla. She revved up her engine after six furlongs in 1:08.58. Hope Road reeled in Scylla by the eighth pole and kicked clear to win by two lengths in the final time of 1:21.93

The multiple graded stakes-winning Hope Road had won her first four starts after being transferred to Baffert last year, but she hadn’t found the winner’s circle in her three prior starts this year.

“I’m so proud of that mare. She deserved a Grade 1,” said Baffert. “Jose rode her perfectly. He had her in a nice spot turning for home. I was hoping she was fit enough to go because training at Del Mar and training there is a little bit different, it’s more taxing at Saratoga. But she ran her race.”

The Kentucky-bred Hope Road increased her bankroll to $866,620 with the win. She improved her record to 5-4-1 in 12 outings.