Eda Wins Seventh Straight in G3 Rancho Bernardo

It was a seventh straight victory for Eda (4f Munnings x Show Me, by Lemon Drop Kid) on Sunday after the bay added the Grade III Rancho Bernardo Handicap to her win record.

Returning to Del Mar for the first time since winning the Listed Desi Arnaz Stakes two wins into her streak, Eda let Princess Adaleigh have the early lead in this six furlong race. Racing outside that rival, she launched her challenge as the field raced around the turn and was in command by the time they entered the stretch.

Leaving the early pacesetter behind with a furlong left to run, she only felt the whip once as she raced away to an easy 1 ½ length victory for Baoma Crop and Bob Baffert.

“She came out of there well and was running OK. When we went past the five-eighths (pole), she relaxed. That was good. Then when we got near the head of the stretch, I ask her and she goes. She’s a nice one. I should tell Bob (trainer Baffert) I want to ride ones like this all the time,” jockey Juan Hernandez said.

The victory is the sixth stakes win for the Nathan McCauley-bred, who was a $240,000 yearling-turned-$550,000 juvenile when purchased by Donato Lanni for Eddie Woods.

Eda is the first foal out of the winning Lemon Drop Kid mare Show Me. Show Me is a half-sister to Grade III winner Aegean and stakes winner Light Bringer. Light Bringer also produced this year’s Grade III Iowa Oaks second Imonra.

Show Me had a Munnings colt this year and returned to Munnings for a 2024 foal.

Eda is one of 10 stakes winners for Munnings in 2023, putting him sixth among all North American sires alongside Justify. His 25 stakes performers this year is good enough for third among all stallions alongside Uncle Mo.