Dailed In got his third Grade 1 winner, and eighth lifetime GSW, in Saturday’s Awesome Again S. (G1) with Defunded, who bested Dubai World Cup (G1) winner by Country Grammer by 1 ¾-lengths in what was a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” qualifying race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) next month at Keeneland.
Defunded, who ran second in this year’s Gold Cup (G1), got his breakthrough win in front-running style. Sent hard from the gate, he led the field through fractions of :22.67 and :46.70. On the final bend, Slow Down Andy came along side and then poked his head in front for a few strides at the top of the stretch, when Defunded re-rallied and drew away in the lane to win drawing clear in 1:49.38 for the 1 1/8-miles on a fast track.
“It was a very nice trip,” said winning jockey Edwin Maldonado. “(Trainer Bob Baffert) told me I had a great shot in this race so put him on the lead. And when Bob says you have a shot, you have a shot. I just want to thank Bob and all the connections for the opportunity, I’m grateful to be here.”
Defunded, owned by Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman, is now 4-3-1 in 12 starts and has earned $418,100. The 4-year-old was bred by Athen Woods LLC and his dam Wind Caper has a yearling full sister.
Dialed In, a top-30 sire nationally with just under $6 million in progeny earnings, has six stakes winners and 14 stakes horses worldwide in 2022.
