Kentucky Derby Prep Races: “Tenma” Wins Las Virgenes

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races News

“Tenma” Dominates Las Virgenes Stakes, Eyes Kentucky Oaks Trail

While the focus of early-season racing is often on the Kentucky Derby Prep Races, top fillies are also making headlines as they prepare for the Kentucky Oaks. 

On Feb. 4 at Santa Anita, “Tenma” proved why she is one of the leading contenders, delivering an effortless 6 ½-length victory in the Grade 3 Las Virgenes Stakes. 

With Kentucky Derby betting heating up, her dominance in the filly division makes her a name to watch, and Kentucky Derby odds for her male counterparts may shift as she sets a substantial standard for three-year-olds.

A Commanding Performance in a Shortened Field

Originally expected to feature five fillies, the Las Virgenes field was reduced to just three runners following two scratches. Despite the small field, “Tenma” put on a dominant display, contesting the early pace before drawing away effortlessly in the stretch.

Breaking well from the gate, the 1-5 favorite sat just outside Just As Fancy, who set the pace through opening fractions of 23.05 and 47.45 seconds. 

Jockey Juan Hernández kept “Tenma” in a comfortable stalking position before asking her to go at the three-quarter-mile mark. The response was immediate as she surged ahead, pulled clear of her rivals, and crossed the wire in 1:38.31 for the one-mile distance.

Stablemate Cipriani, who started as the 4-1 second choice, moved from last into second place but never posed a serious challenge. Just As Fancy faded down the stretch, finishing 17 ¾ lengths behind in third.

Baffert Extends His Las Virgenes Record

Trainer Bob Baffert continued his dominance in the Las Virgenes Stakes, securing his fourth consecutive victory and ninth overall in the race. “Tenma”’s victory further solidified her status as one of the top Oaks contenders, as she now leads all active fillies with 33 qualifying points. 

The race was initially set to award points to the top five finishers, but due to the reduced field, only 20-10-6 points were distributed.

A Filly with High Expectations

“Tenma”’s rise to prominence began as a two-year-old when she won the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante and the Grade 2 Starlet Stakes. She finished third in the Grade 2 Oak Leaf Stakes at Santa Anita, her only career setback. Bred in Kentucky by Bobby Flay and purchased for $850,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale, she is owned by Charles Chu’s Baoma Corp.

Her ability to handle different distances and track conditions has made her a strong contender for upcoming prep races leading to the Kentucky Oaks. With this latest victory, her connections will likely target a significant stakes race in March or April as she continues her path to Churchill Downs.

What’s Next for “Tenma”?

Following her dominant return, the most logical next step for “Tenma” would be the Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks or another high-profile Kentucky Oaks prep race. With her proven ability to stretch beyond a mile, she appears well-suited for the 1 1/8-mile challenge of the Kentucky Oaks in May.