Holmby, winner of the Grade 3 Surrento Stakes at Del Mar in August in his second start, will make his two-turn debut for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert on Saturday in the G2, $200,000 Oak Leaf Stakes presented by the Oak Tree Association for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita Park. As part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series, the winner of the Oak Leaf Challenge will compete in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on Oct. 30 at Keeneland Race Course.
Holmby, a 2021 champion 2-year-old Corniche colt, was bred on his debut at Del Mar in July then came straight a month later to win by a neck at Surren by six furlongs. In the G1 Del Mar Debutante on Sept. 5 With seven furlongs to go, Holmby dropped the pace and proved no match for the winner, Miss Monica, who finished third. It is owned by Talla Racing and will have Ricky Gonzalez at the wheel.
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Michael McCarthy is sending the Trainer out of Free Closer, who was fourth in the Debutante. A California-bred daughter of Pavel owned by Reddam Racing, Free Closer previously won an 8-length victory in the CTBA Stakes for Statebreds going 5 furlongs on Aug. 2. to Del Mar She will be ridden by Joel Rosario for the first time.
Baffert also entered Quattro Passo and Deluge.
Quattro Passi rolled to a 9-length maiden at Del Mar in his second start going six furlongs on Sept. 6. A Girvin Quattro Passi was purchased by owner Debbie Lanni for $190,000 at the 2025 Keeneland September sale. He will have regular rider Mike Smith.
Deluge, Biggest Mischief, beat the maidens only in her only going five furlongs on the turf at Del Mar on August 28. A $280,000 auction purchase earlier this year, Flood is also owned by Talla Racing and will have killed Juan Hernandez.
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The Oak Leaf will be the official stop on the Road to the 2027 Kentucky Oaks and qualifying points will be awarded.
G2 LEAF Stakes with JOCKEYS & WEIGHTS in the back position of the order
Four steps – Mike Smith – 122
Holmby – Ricky Gonzalez – 122
Domain Expansion – Adrian Escobedo – 122
Free Closer – Joel Rosario – 122
Janie Not Jeanie – Kazushi Kimura – 122
Flood – Juan Hernandez – 122
The first one is Saturday at 1 pm PT.
This story was first published by Paulick Report on September 28 2026, when it first appeared in Theis News section Add the Paulck Report as Preferred Source by clicking here.