Make it an even dozen. On Saturday afternoon under the usual beautiful skies of a Southern Californian summer, Desert Gate (c, 2, Omaha Beach–Theogony, by Curlin) gave Hall of Famer Bob Baffert his 12th career win in the GIII Best Pal Stakes at Del Mar, in addition to the fourth consecutive victory in the race for the Baffert team. To make it even sweeter, Desert Gate also marked the third winner in the Best Pal for the ownership trio of Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman, as well as the third for rider Juan Hernandez.
Bred by Twin Oaks Bloodstock after purchased in utero for $70,000 at Keeneland January in 2023 by MWG, Desert Gate himself went through the ring three times. DKW Racing picked him up as a $125,000 weanling at Keeneland November, Arroyo Bloodstock paid $100,000 for him at Keeneland September, and agent Donato Lanni purchased him for Three Amigos for $260,000 at this year’s OBS March sale after he breezed a furlong in :9 4/5. Shipped to Baffert, Desert Gate got right to work, posting his first official move Apr. 4 at Los Alamitos. He hasn’t missed a beat, making that aforementioned initial start in June and continuing to work steadily since, including a near-bullet five furlongs in :59 2/5 (2/86) at Del Mar Aug. 2. He is now undefeated in two career starts.