Classy Comparative simply won’t be denied in G3 Bayakoa Stakes

Street Sense filly turns back all challengers to earn second straight Stakes victory

Comparative remained undefeated in two starts in 2024 when she once again led all the way to score a half-length victory in the G3 $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Friday, 2 February. 

The daughter of Street Sense has kicked off her four-year-old season in grand style, and has now won two straight – both Stakes victories. The Godolphin homebred got the year started with a rousing victory in the $150,000 Ladies Stakes at Aqueduct. She secured her first Graded Stakes victory in similar style, leading from start to finish and turning back all challenges in the stretch to get the win.

Partnered once again by jockey Manny Franco, Comparative found herself alone on the lead after favored Hot and Sultry stumbled coming out of the starting gate. That left Comparative to lead the way through the opening quarter and half-mile of the mile-and-a-sixteenth contest. Comparative was joined on the front end by Shotgun Hottie, who raced a bit keenly while pressuring from second. Misty Veil raced in third, as Hot and Sultry trailed the field.

Shotgun Hottie grabbed a narrow lead as the field swept into the far turn, but Comparative quickly battled back, regaining the lead as the field hit the top of the stretch. The Street Sense filly then showed tremendous heart as she repelled late challenges from both Misty Veil and Ice Orchid in deep stretch to win by a half-length.

Comparative was bred in Kentucky and is out of the Bernardini mare Collective, a full sister to G2 winner Penwith. In addition to Comparative, Collective has produced multiple Graded Stakes winner Shared Sense, a full brother to the Bayakoa winner. Second dam Composure was a multiple G1 winner, who also produced G1 Stakes runners Tranquil Manner and Centring (dam of G1-placed Central Avenue, also by Street Sense).

Street Sense was represented in 2023 by Graded Stakes winners Never Explain (G3 Dinner Party Stakes), Whelen Springs (G3 Philip H. Iselin) and First Mission (G3 Lexington Stakes); along with additional Stakes winners Otto the Conqueror, Road Bloc, Baytown Chatterbox, Ichiban and Notary.

Street Sense will stand the 2024 breeding season at Jonabell Farm for $60,000, stands and nurses.