Adare Manor Wires Apple Blossom In Open-Lengths Romp

Michael Lund Petersen's Adare Manor controlled the pace and drew off in the stretch for a commanding win in the $1.25-million Apple Blossom (G1) for older fillies and mares Saturday at Oaklawn Park.

The 5-year-old Uncle Mo mare, the 7-10 favorite, won by 5 1/2 lengths over Flying Connection, who rallied from last to finish best of the rest in second and three-quarters of a length in front of Louisiana-bred star Free Like a Girl in third.

Adare Manor finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.48 and paid $3.40 for the victory.

With Juan Hernandez aboard for trainer Bob Baffert, who won the 2012 Apple Blossom with Plum Pretty, Adare Manor tallied her first win outside of Southern California and second success at the highest level after landing the Clement L. Hirsch (G1) last summer at Del Mar.

Breaking smoothly, Adare Manor took charge and opened a clear lead while setting fractions of :23.68 and :46.95 with Honor D Lady chasing from second through the first half mile. Shotgun Hottie took up the chase as six furlongs went in 1:11.14.with Adare Manor leading her by a length before opening a four-length advantage in early stretch. As Shotgun Hottie weakened, Flying Connection swung six wide to rally and finished eagerly, but Adare Manor was widening away to secure the win.

Adare Manor boasts an 8-5-0 record from 16 career starts. The $650,000 winner's share of the Apple Blossom purse increased her lifetime bankroll to $1,736,600.

Bred in Kentucky by Town & Country Horse Farms LLC and Gary Broad, Adare Manor was produced by the Giant Gizmo mare Brooklynsway.