The spotlight shines brightly on Nooni, the sole Florida-bred filly in the $200,000 Oak Leaf presented by Oak Tree (Grade 2) at Santa Anita Park Saturday, a “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup NetJets Juvenile Fillies to be run at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club on Nov. 1. Set to tackle the mile-and-a-sixteenth against seven rivals, this daughter of Ocala Stud’s popular freshman sire Win Win Win stands out not only for her Sunshine State roots but also for her connections.
Nooni hails from the powerhouse stable of Bob Baffert and carries the silks of prominent owner Zedan Racing Stables Inc. This combination has proven formidable in recent years, producing champions and classic winners.
Bred by the respected Ocala Stud, Joseph M. O’Farrell III and David O’Farrell et. al., Nooni’s pedigree suggests she should relish the two-turn distance. Win Win Win was graded stakes-placed around two turns, while her dam is by Belmont Stakes (G1)-winner Union Rags, further reinforcing her stamina credentials.
While Baffert has three other entrants in the race in Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante-winner Tenma, Showers and Non Compliant—it’s noteworthy that he’s opted to run Nooni despite this in-house competition. This could be a signal of the filly’s ability and readiness to return to stakes competition after finishing fifth last out in the Del Mar Debutante.
A $1.8 million purchase by Zedan to top the Ocala Breeders’ Sales March Sale, Nooni has two wins in three starts with earnings of $128,400 and will break from post four.
Nooni will face challenges from several well-bred Kentucky counterparts, including Jack’s Magic Girl, a daughter of champion Good Magic, and Rio Del Sol, by American Freedom. The California-bred contingent, represented by In the Air Tonight and Om N Joy, adds local flavor to the contest.
As the only Florida-bred in a field dominated by Kentucky bloodlines, Nooni carries the banner for her home state.