Eden’s Moon radiant in G1 Las Virgenes

Eden’s Moon is all alone at the finish of the Las Virgenes S. © BENOIT PHOTO

Jumping into stakes company for the first time, Eden’s Moon delivered a stellar performance in the Grade 1 Las Virgenes S. March 3 at Santa Anita, putting the 3-year-old daughter of Malibu Moon on the road to the Kentucky Oaks (G1) in early May at Churchill Downs.

Malibu Moon is over $1 million in progeny earnings for 2012, putting him in the top 10 among all sires in North America.

Eden’s Moon was sent off as the second choice in the Las Virgenes after breaking her maiden by 11 1/2-lengths in late January. Put into the race right away by Martin Garcia, the bay filly set a solid pace of :46.47 for the half mile and 1:10.44 for six furlongs, while maintaining a half-length lead. Reneesgotzip, the favorite, offered pressure the whole way, but Eden’s Moon lengthened stride in the stretch to pull away with authority. The final time for the mile was 1:35.27.

Making just her third start, trainer Bob Baffert loved the effort, but says there’s more talent in his filly. “I was hoping we’d be on the lead, get her out there and get her into a groove. She’s getting better and better,” Baffert said. “She’s not a polished horse.”

The $150,000 purse pushed Eden’s Moon career total to $192,600 for owner Kaleem Shah. Baffert said the $1 million Kentucky Oaks is the goal this spring, with a possible start in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks, on March 31, as the next step.

The first foal out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Eden’s Causeway, Eden’s Moon was a $390,000 2-year-old in training purchase at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale last May. Eden’s Moon is a sister to turf champion Paradise Creek, as well as Grade 1 winners Forbidden Apple and Wild Event.