Get ready to be amazed by a thrilling tale of determination and controversy on the racetrack! A dramatic showdown unfolded at Sunland Park, where Bottle of Rouge emerged as the undisputed star of the $250,000 Sunland Park Oaks on February 15. This 3-year-old filly, already a proven champion after her victory in the Del Mar Debutante Stakes (G1) last September, showcased her tenacity with a 1 1/2-length win that left spectators on the edge of their seats. But here's where it gets controversial—her path to victory wasn't without drama. Trained by the legendary Bob Baffert and owned by his wife, Jill Baffert, Bottle of Rouge entered the race following a sixth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), proving that comebacks are always possible in the world of horse racing.
The race itself was a masterclass in strategy and grit. Doug O'Neill's Cashed set the early pace, leading through fractions of :23.85 and :46.80, but Bottle of Rouge, under the skilled guidance of jockey Juan Hernandez, seized control midway through the final turn. As the stretch run unfolded, Pashmina and Coffee Connection battled fiercely, while Touch of Magic made a daring outside move to secure second place. Pashmina, however, stole the show with her tenacity, even as Bottle of Rouge veered right, momentarily impeding her path. This led to a stewards' inquiry and an objection from Pashmina's jockey, Cristian Torres. After a tense review, the stewards upheld the finish, leaving Bottle of Rouge's victory intact.
And this is the part most people miss—the implications of this win are huge. Bottle of Rouge's triumph not only marked Baffert's ninth Sunland Park Oaks victory but also earned her 20 crucial points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks (G1). The race awarded qualifying points to the top five finishers (20-10-6-4-2), making this a significant step toward one of the most prestigious races in the sport. But here’s the controversial question: Did Bottle of Rouge’s veer cost Pashmina a better finish? Should the stewards have taken more decisive action? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Bred in Kentucky by Kathie Maybee, Bottle of Rouge is the daughter of Vino Rosso and the Bluegrass Cat mare Blues Corner. Her journey to stardom began at the auction block, where she fetched $60,000 as a weanling at the 2023 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale and $100,000 as a yearling at Keeneland's September Yearling Sale, purchased by Big Sky Racing. With a final time of 1:35.82 for the 1-mile race and a $2.80 payout to win, Bottle of Rouge has cemented her place as a filly to watch. Will she continue her dominance on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks? Only time will tell—and we can’t wait to find out!
