Bulletproof One Sets New Course Record in Unzip Me

ARCADIA, CA – Trainer Peter Miller’s Bulletproof One ran fast enough to set a new course record while winning Saturday’s $75,000 Unzip Me Stakes at Santa Anita Park.

Bulletproof One broke swiftly from post 4 under Ricky Gonzalez as the 8/5 favorite and went straight to the front under her own power.

Putting some distance between herself and the rest of the eight-horse field, Bulletproof One posted quick opening fractions of :21.67 and :43.72 while Biddy Duke gave closest watch.

Still maintaining a lengthy advantage as she straightened for home, Bulletproof One never showed weakness before running away to win the 5 1/2-furlong firm turf sprint by 2 1/4 lengths in a record 1:01.12.

“She cleared the horses very easily,” Gonzalez said after winning his first stakes at Santa Anita Park. “She has always had natural speed. … She was by herself, got a nice breather, relaxed perfectly, and then kicked on again.”

Aqua Seaform Shame improved from fourth to take second by a 1/2-length over Biddy Duke, with Mind Out a neck behind in fourth.

Blue Sky Baby, Parkour, Moonhall Milly, and Powerfulattraction completed the order of finish.

Merneith was scratched.

Bulletproof One’s victory was her third at the stakes level following a pair of scores last year against fellow California-breds. The 3-year-old Idiot Proof filly now carries a record of 14-7-2-0 with $361,162 earned for co-owners Gary Barber, Cecil Barber, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, and Wachtel Stable.

“I was expecting her to run big,” said assistant trainer Ruben Alvarado. “She loves this track. She ran big on this track and did really well today. We just needed her to come out of the gate and say goodbye. She’s getting more professional.”

Bulletproof One returned $5.40 to win, $3.60 to place, and $2.80 to show. Aqua Seaform Shame brought back $4.80 to place and $3.80 to show, while Biddy Duke paid $4.80 to show.