Stellar Sound

Bob Baffert comes into Sunday's GII Zenyatta S. with a strong one-two punch in the form of Private Mission (Into Mischief) and the regally bred As Time Goes By (American Pharoah--Take Charge Lady). The winner of this event earns a spot in the upcoming GI Breeders' Cup Distaff at Del Mar. A debut winner at this oval last October, Private Mission checked in fourth in Del Mar's Desi Arnaz S. a month later and was subsequently shelved. Making her belated sophomore bow in a June 12 optional claimer here, the...

Having more than proven her aptitude going short with a devastating maiden-breaking victory over 6 1/2 furlongs last time out, Venetian Harbor (Munnings) stretches out to two turns for Saturday's GII Las Virgenes S. at Santa Anita. While the trip remains a bit of a question mark, the bay is strictly the one they'll all have to beat. The subject of considerable pre-debut chatter, Venetian Harbor was duly sent off at even-money for a five-furlong turf dash at Del Mar Nov. 15. She sent the chalk players home slightly disappointed...