Macadamia (BRZ)

Macadamia, a Brazilian-bred Hat Trick mare, won two of four starts, both of them Group 1 stakes, and was honored as champion 2-year-old filly in her native country before moving to the Southern California circuit and trainer Phil D’Amato in summer 2022.

She finished third twice and fourth twice in her first four starts before breaking through with a 1 ½-length win in an allowance optional claiming race in February 2023 at Santa Anita Park. In her next start, she ran well to finish second by a half-length to Quattroelle in the Grade 2 Buena Vista Stakes March 4 at Santa Anita. Macadamia later turned the tables on that rival April 30 on the same turf course, defeating Quattroelle by a length in the Grade 3 Wilshire Stakes and notching her first U.S. stakes victory.

In her next race, Macadamia kept her winning ways going and also became a Grade 1 winner for the first time in the $400,000 Gamely Stakes on May 29 at Santa Anita, where her and her familiar rival Quattroelle finished 1-2 when getting the best of the 4-5 favorite Queen Goddess.   Sent off as the 6-1 third choice on the tote board in a field of seven fillies and mares, Macadamia came from off the pace and closed late on the turn and though the stretch to win by a length. She ran the 1 1/8 miles on firm turf in a winning time of 1:48.01 to improve her 2023 record to three wins and one second in four starts at Santa Anita between Feb. 3 and May 29.