2011 Kentucky Oaks Winner

 
 

Plum Pretty was a stylish chestnut filly who brought home one of the most prestigious prizes in racing for fillies, the Kentucky Oaks. She was foaled in 2008, a daughter of the great sire Medaglia d'Oro out of the mare Liszy. She raced in the colors of partners Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman, the same group behind many of trainer Bob Baffert's top runners. Under Baffert's care, she developed into one of the leading three year old fillies in the country.

The defining moment of her career came on Kentucky Oaks Day 2011 at Churchill Downs. With Martin Garcia in the saddle, Plum Pretty rallied from off the pace and ran down a strong field to win the Kentucky Oaks, the day before the Kentucky Derby. The victory was a big moment for Bob Baffert, who had taken his time bringing her along. She showed that day she had both the class and the late kick to handle the very best of her crop.

Plum Pretty kept rolling that fall when she captured the Cotillion Stakes at Parx Racing in Pennsylvania, beating top rivals once again. As a four year old in 2012, she stretched out against older fillies and mares and won the Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park, one of the most important races of the year for that division. She finished her career with earnings of more than $2.3 million and a record of consistency at the highest level.

After retiring, Plum Pretty became a broodmare, going through the sales ring at top dollar as breeders looked to capture her racing class for the next generation. She is remembered as a classy filly who handled the biggest moments with style, and as another feather in the cap of Bob Baffert during his run of dominance in major American races.

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