Kentucky-bred Explora continued to display her talents as a sprinter, dominating foes in Saratoga’s $500,000 Test S. (G1) on Saturday, Aug. 8. Michael Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman’s graded stakes-winning millionaire powered home to score by five lengths in the 101st renewal of the prestigious race.

Explora entered her New York debut with momentum. Following a fourth-place effort in the nine-furlong Kentucky Oaks (G1), trainer Bob Baffert cut her back to the Test distance in the Leslie’s Lady S. on June 7 at Churchill Downs. She won that start by 1 ¼ lengths.

After shipping to the Spa, Explora looked comfortable early, breaking from post seven and tracking in third position under jockey Flavien Prat. Out of the turn, Explora overtook pacesetter Movie Night and Goodall. She then opened up before thundering home, completing seven furlongs in 1:22.42.

“I think the draw was very helpful for me,” Prat said. “She did everything right. I thought she ran very well in the Kentucky Oaks. If you look at the replay, at the eighth pole she was still on the lead. [Today] she went back to what she wants to do. She jumped well and I wanted to get her involved. She switched off nicely. On her own, she kind of got going around the turn, At that point, I didn’t want to move too early. I was trying to hold her together. When I turned for home I asked her, and she responded very well.”

Explora to Target Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint

Baffert said Explora wasn’t on her best behavior in the paddock, but the $350,000 purchase from the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale once again showed up when it mattered.

“Actually, she was losing it a little bit,” Baffert said. “I didn’t get a chance to school her here and she can be on her toes, and she was getting a little bit warm, but luckily, she settled back down. Got quiet. I told Prat, ‘she’s already warmed up, just go to the gate now.’ She’s been phenomenal; [she’s] a good mare.”

Baffert said that Explora remains on target for a start in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1). She was bred in Kentucky by Mesingw Farm,