Faypien holds off Mopotism in Summertime Oaks

In her first-ever time around two turns, Bob Baffert’s Faypien proved ultra-game late as she held off longshot Mopotism to win Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Summertime Oaks at Santa Anita. Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, she got a mile and one sixteenth in 1:43.17.

Second, one length off of pacesetter Sheza Chattykat a quarter mile from home, Faypien swung four-wide at the top of the lane but it appeared she might’ve been beaten by Spooky Woods, who shot through at the rail turning for home. Faypien, however, dug in determinedly when challenged to her outside by Mopotisim, who just missed in a thriller.

“When we purchased her, we were hoping for something like this,” said Baffert. “I honestly thought my other horse, Noted and Quoted, would do better…Rafael rode a great race today though and he rode with a lot of confidence.He had the horse to finish with.”

Off at 7-2 in a field of eight sophomore fillies, Faypien paid $9.00, $5.00 and $3.60.

Owned by Susan and Charlie Chu’s Baoma Corporation, Faypien, a Florida-bred filly by Ghostzapper, out of the Freud mare Mighty Eros, followed up on a half length win here in the seven furlong Angels Flight Stakes on May 14 and registered her third consecutive win from four starts. With the winner’s share of $120,000, she now has earnings of $205,680.

“I wanted to put her in the race right away and go from there,” said Bejarano.“I was able to find my position right away and she relaxed, she was comfortable. I waited as long as I could. When I came into the stretch, it was tough. She tried every step and I knew Mopotism was flying in the end. She deserved to win because she was working really hard.”

Ridden by Mario Gutierrez, Mopotism was full of run while fifth turning for home, had to wait for room momentarily a furlong out, shifted to the middle of the track and finished a half length in front of original third place finisher Spooky Woods.

Off at 10-1, Mopotism paid $9.40 and $5.60.

Spooky Woods, who was ridden by Flavien Prat, drifted in slightly inside the furlong pole, causing her stablemate, It Tiz Well and Mike Smith to steady. As a result, the stewards disqualified Spooky Woods and placed her fifth, just behind It Tiz Well who was also the 6-5 favorite.

As a result of the DQ, Majestic Quality, who was ridden by Kent Desormeaux, was moved up from fourth to third. Off at 5-1, she paid $3.00 to show.

Fractions on the race were 23.14, 46.95, 1:11.02 and 1:36.67.