Champion Filly Nitrogen Shines in Season Opener
Nitrogen effortlessly claimed victory in the Bayakoa Stakes (G3) while Sandman failed to place in an allowance race.
* By Frank Angst (https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/author/frank-angst)
In a stunning display of talent, Nitrogen showcased her abilities during the $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes (G3) held on February 7 at Oaklawn Park (https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/racetracks/20/oaklawn-park). The reigning champion 3-year-old filly comfortably navigated much of the 1 1/16-mile race before overtaking her determined stablemate, Nerazurri (https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/nerazurri/2022), in the final stretch, pulling away to secure a convincing 2 3/4-length win.
This impressive performance not only highlights Nitrogen's innate talent but also sets a promising tone for her future races as she embarks on another competitive season. In the end, Nerazurri finished second, comfortably ahead of third-place Quietside (https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/quietside/2022), marking a significant achievement for trainer Mark Casse as both horses secured top placements in this graded stakes event.
"It's like having both your kids out there," Casse remarked to Oaklawn media after observing his horses duel in the stretch. "The other filly performed well too, but there’s only one Nitrogen."
Nitrogen, a 4-year-old daughter of Medaglia d'Oro, marked a milestone by triumphing against older competitors for the first time. While she had previously shown her prowess, notably receiving a Sovereign Award in 2024 as Canada’s champion 2-year-old filly, Nitrogen's performance on this occasion was particularly noteworthy. Last year, she concluded her season with notable second-place finishes in both the Spinster Stakes (G1) at Keeneland (https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/racetracks/1/keeneland) and the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) at Del Mar (https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/racetracks/11/del-mar).
During Saturday's race, Nitrogen maintained her position in third for a significant portion of the contest, skillfully ridden by Jose Ortiz. She kept close watch on longshot Rose Palace (https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/rose-palace/2019), as Nerazurri tracked her through a half-mile split of :48.33. As they approached the far turn, Ortiz executed a well-timed three-wide maneuver, enabling Nitrogen to engage Nerazurri for the lead before powering ahead for an effortless victory.
Completing the 1 1/16-mile race in a swift 1:43.53 over a fast track, Nitrogen returned $2.60, firmly establishing herself as the favorite.
"She constantly amazes me and makes my job easier," Casse said, indicating that they are planning to target the March 7 Azeri Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn next. "She breathes different air."
With an impressive record of never finishing off the board across 13 career starts, Nitrogen's stats now stand at 7 wins, 4 seconds, and 2 thirds, with total earnings exceeding $2.1 million. She began her racing career on turf, achieving two grade 1 placements during her 2-year-old season. Last year, she dominated the graded stakes scene on turf before transitioning to dirt racing in the summer and fall. Her definitive victory over Good Cheer (https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/good-cheer/2022) in the Alabama Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course (https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/racetracks/24/saratoga-race-course) last August solidified her championship accolades.
Video: Bayakoa S. (G3)
Sandman Fails to Shine in Seasonal Debut
Meanwhile, it was a different story for Sandman (https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/sandman/2022), who is also trained by Casse. In his debut race as a 4-year-old, Sandman, the previous winner of last year's Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn, finished in fifth place in a challenging allowance optional claiming race earlier on the same card.
Sent off as the 3-5 favorite, Sandman positioned himself in third early under Ortiz. However, he struggled to find space in the stretch and lacked the acceleration needed, ultimately finishing evenly as San Siro (https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/san-siro/2021)—a 5-year-old Classic Empire (https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/classic-empire/2014) gelding—came from behind to clinch victory under Cristian Torres for trainer Brendan Walsh.
