Champion Filly Nitrogen Shines in Season Debut
In a thrilling season opener, Nitrogen demonstrated her impressive abilities by winning the $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes (G3) on February 7 at Oaklawn Park. The race saw her effortlessly outpace her determined stablemate, Nerazurri, in the final stretch, ultimately securing victory by a comfortable margin of 2 3/4 lengths.
Nitrogen, who is the reigning champion among 3-year-old fillies, showed remarkable talent in the 1 1/16-mile race designed for older fillies and mares. Her performance not only showcased her skills but also hinted at a promising season ahead.
Nerazurri, finishing in second place, was well ahead of Quietside, who came in third. This result marked another graded stakes placing for Nerazurri, contributing to trainer Mark Casse's strong showing as both horses claimed the top two spots.
"It’s like having both of your kids competing out there," Casse remarked to Oaklawn media after observing the fierce yet friendly competition between his two horses. "While the other filly also performed admirably, there's just one Nitrogen."
Nitrogen, now a 4-year-old daughter of Medaglia d'Oro, made a significant mark by defeating older competitors for the first time. Although she had previously excelled in races against younger rivals, including earning a Sovereign Award in 2024 as Canada’s champion 2-year-old filly, she proved her mettle in this new category. Notably, she ended 2025 with strong runner-up finishes in both the Spinster Stakes (G1) at Keeneland and the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) at Del Mar.
During Saturday's race, Nitrogen maintained a steady position in third place early on, with jockey Jose Ortiz guiding her. As the race progressed, she closely followed longshot Rose Palace while Nerazurri led the pack through the half-mile marker in a time of :48.33. Ortiz executed a strategic three-wide maneuver as they approached the far turn, allowing Nitrogen to challenge Nerazurri for the lead before pulling away for an easy win.
Nitrogen completed the 1 1/16-mile event in a swift 1:43.53 on a fast track. She returned $2.60 for her supporters, who recognized her as the favorite.
"She never ceases to amaze me and makes my job look easy," Casse stated, hinting at plans to target the March 7 Azeri Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn next. "She has a unique presence that sets her apart."
With this latest triumph, Nitrogen has maintained an impressive track record, having finished in the money in all 13 of her career starts. Her current stats stand at 7 wins, 4 seconds, and 2 thirds, with total earnings exceeding $2.1 million. She began her racing career on turf, where she earned two grade 1 placements during her 2-year-old season. Last year, she captured three consecutive graded stakes on grass before transitioning to dirt racing in the summer and fall. A standout moment came when she decisively claimed victory over Good Cheer in the Alabama Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course in August, solidifying her status as a champion.
Video: Bayakoa S. (G3)
Sandman Fails to Place in Seasonal Debut
In contrast, Sandman, another horse trained by Casse, faced a challenging start to his 4-year-old campaign. Having won last year’s Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn, he finished fifth in a competitive allowance optional claiming race earlier on the same card.
Sent off as the 3-5 favorite, Sandman initially positioned himself in third place under Ortiz but struggled to find space in the early stretch. He maintained a consistent pace but ultimately finished evenly in the 1 1/16-mile race, which was won by San Siro, a 5-year-old gelding by Classic Empire. San Siro managed to rally from the back of the field, showcasing tenacity under Cristian Torres for trainer Brendan Walsh.
