Princess Noor leads three Baffert entries in Chandelier Stakes

With three out of the five runners in Saturday’s Grade 2, $200,000 Chandelier Stakes, Bob Baffert would appear to “have ’em surrounded” indeed, as his budding starlet Princess Noor fairly towers over her competitors, based upon two impressive tallies at Del Mar over the summer.

To be run for the 52nd time and won by Baffert a record 11 times, the Chandelier will be contested at 1 1/16 miles.

A $1,350,000 Florida 2-year-old in training sale purchase by Zedan Racing Stables Inc. in April, Princess Noor has done little wrong in two starts, taking her 5 1/2-furlong debut by 2 1/2 lengths at 3-5 on Aug. 22 and crushing five rivals by 6 1/2 lengths at 3-5 in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante going seven furlongs on Sept. 6. With Baffert sending in the plays in the morning and afternoon, regular rider Victor Espinoza would appear to be first and goal with plenty of time left aboard Princess Noor on Saturday.

Baffert also will be represented by Illumination, who was third, beaten 8 3/4 lengths by Princess Noor in the Del Mar Debutante G1, and by Varda, who was a speedy first out maiden winner going six furlongs on Aug. 30.

Trainer Mark Casse will be represented by two-time Saratoga graded stakes placed filly Make Mischief, a New York-bred daughter of red hot sire Into Mischief, who will try two turns for the first time in her fifth career start.

The Chandelier is a Breeders’ Cup “Win & You’re In” Challenge Race qualifier, with the winner earning a fees-paid berth into the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Keeneland on Nov. 6.

The Chandelier is race 3 of 11, with an approximate post time 4:30 p.m. ET.