On Sunday at Del Mar, Sacred Wish, carrying odds of 12-1, delivered an extraordinary performance. With Hall of Fame jockey John Velázquez in the saddle, she emerged as the neck winner in the 44th edition of the Grade 1, $300,000 Matriarch Stakes on the closing day of the fall season. This 4-year-old daughter of Not This Time showcased her talent by tracking the early leader in the one-mile turf test and responding brilliantly to Velázquez's urgings as they turned for home. Just when it seemed like post-time favorite Gina Romantica would catch up, Sacred Wish held on firmly.

Perfectly Set Up by Ag Bullet

Blair Golen, assistant to trainer George Weaver, emphasized the significance of Ag Bullet's role. "Ag Bullet just set it up perfect for her," he said. "She wasn't going too fast, was comfortable behind horses, and was able to go up the rail and get it done this time. Johnny already had it in his head that instead of waiting for her, he was going to ask her to go, and where she put herself is where she was going to be. He's ridden her so well in the past. He gets along with her good, and I'm just so happy he was able to come out and ride her."

The Early Stages

Sacred Wish began her journey by tracking the early leader with ease. The fractions set in the early stages were 23.32, 47.57, and 1:11.59, indicating a controlled pace. This allowed her to gather her strength and be in the perfect position as they approached the home stretch.

Velázquez's Masterful Ride

John Velázquez was in top form on Sunday. "Broke great," he said about Sacred Wish. "I was hoping that she would break well. … I thought she would take me farther down in the lane, and I could get her going along the turn, and it worked out perfect. The horse in the lead (Ag Bullet) took me where I thought. She pulled out, and she had a nice kick to fight down the lane." His expertise and connection with the horse were evident in every stride.

The Close Finish

Gina Romantica, the 6-5 favorite, put up a strong fight and finished second, just three-quarters of a length behind Sacred Wish. Pacesetter Ag Bullet came in third. Sacred Wish's first prize of $180,000 added to her already impressive earnings of $985,138. She has now finished in the top three in 13 of her 17 career starts, a testament to her consistency and talent. For owners Black Type Thoroughbreds, Swinbank Stables, Steve Adkisson, Christopher Dunn, and Anthony Spinazzola, this victory is a significant milestone.