Kentucky-bred British Isles surged late and drew off in the stretch to win the $300,000 Santa Anita Handicap (G1) on Saturday, March 7. Trained by Richard Baltas, British Isles won by 4 ½ lengths. It was the second Big ‘Cap win for Baltas. He won the race in 2021 with Idol.
“I feel great,” Richard Baltas said. “I was a little worried around the turn. Diego did a great job with the horse. I thought around the turn he was asking him, and I didn’t know if he had anything left, then suddenly, he burst away. I was ecstatic.
A 5-year-old gelding by Justify, British Isles is owned by Slam Dunk Racing; Deborah A. Baltas, Richard’s wife; and Cynthia McClanahan. Diego Herrera was aboard.
“I don’t even have any words, it is just such a blessing,” said Herrera. “Thank God that everything came together today. I’m very grateful.”
Baltas added, “Diego did a great job with this horse. It meant a lot to the owners, and it meant a lot to Deigo, his first Grade 1 win.”
British Isles improved his record to 24-4-6-4 with 551,826 in earnings. He previously was fifth in the Pegasus World Cup (G1) on Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park. Prior to that, British Isles was narrowly beaten by Grade 1 winner Nevada Beach in the Native Diver (G3) at Del Mar in November.
Bred in Kentucky by Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt, British Isles is out of the graded stakes-winning Pure Prize mare Purely Hot.