Bulletproof One Dusts CTBA Foes

DEL MAR, CA – Debuting for her new connections, Bulletproof One shot out of the gate quickly and never looked back, leaving her foes to eat her dust in Wednesday’s $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Stakes at Del Mar.

Breaking alertly from post 2 as the 1/2 favorite under Norberto Arroyo, Jr., Bulletproof One was very quickly on the lead while Unchain Her Heart kept close watch along her right hip. Into the turn, Bulletproof One began to separate while posting an opening 1/4-mile in :21.64.

Midway through the far turn, Arroyo, Jr., peeked behind to check on the competition before letting his filly loose after completing the 1/2-mile in :45.22. Stretching her legs powerfully, the Peter Miller trainee drew clear to win by 6 1/4 lengths in a final time of 1:04.70 for the 5 1/2-furlong sprint over the fast main track.

“I followed the instructions, break and go,” said Arroyo, Jr. “We’re not going to change her style, she won on the lead twice already. It’s all on the break and we had a good break.”

After tracking from second throughout, Unchain Her Heart held off challenges from Cholula Lips and Wise Rachel in the stretch to hold the place. Wise Rachel edged Cholula Lips by a 1/2-length for third, but the rest of the field was strung out behind. None of Your Biz, Roses for Laura, Bella Renella, and Acai completed the order of finish.

Bulletproof One’s win was her third in as many career starts, having debuted at Golden Gate going 4 1/2 furlongs before beating fellow California-breds in the $100,000 Everett Nevin Stakes at Pleasanton. Following the Nevin, the juvenile daughter of Idiot Proof was privately sold to Gary Barber, Cecil Barber, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, and Wachtel Stable. To date, the filly formerly trained by Ellen Jackson has bankrolled $137,400.

“It was a no-brainer with this being a Cal-bred race,” Miller said. “We’ve only had her for a few weeks, (so we) took it easy with her and just galloped into the race. She came to me in great shape Ellen did a great job with her and I’m just thankful for the owners that bought this filly and gave her to me. I’m just happy to be having a great meet with all that I’ve got. Felt like we had good quality, not the quantity like from years past. I’ll take quality over quantity any day of the week.”

Bulletproof One returned $3 to win, $2.80 to place, and $2.60 to show. Unchain Her Heart brought back $8.20 to place and $4.40 to show, while Wise Rachel paid $7.40 to show.