Unique Bella Towers Over Hirsch Rivals

 

Tapit Filly Seeks Third Grade 1 And A Breeders’ Cup Distaff Berth

By Margaret Ransom

A compact but talented field of six will square off in Sunday’s $300,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (GI) at Del Mar, the 2018 meeting’s second Breeders’ Cup Championship “Win and You’re In” event — this one guaranteeing a spot in the starting gate for the Nov. 3 $2 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (GI) at Churchill Downs.

The Del Mar weather continues to be beautiful, but the humidity is expected to drop this weekend with the afternoon high is expected to reach the low-80s, guaranteeing another day with a fast track. The Hirsch has been carded as the afternoon’s fifth race with a post time of 4:03 p.m. EST.

The Clement L. Hirsch was once known as the Chula Vista Handicap and was renamed in 2000 to honor the man who created the Oak Tree Racing Association and who passed away that same year. A superstar list of distaffers have taken home the trophy over the years, including champions Princess Rooney, Bayakoa, Paseana, Sharp Cat, Azeri (twice) and Zenyatta (three times). All but Sharp Cat are in the Hall of Fame.

Champion Stellar Wind won this race a year ago for the second time.

This year it’s champion Unique Bella who is… (more)