Chasing Yesterday, half sister of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, wins debut at Del Mar

As Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert prepares to say goodbye to his retiring Triple Crown winner Justify, he unveiled another promising horse Saturday at Del Mar, the 2-year-old filly Chasing Yesterday, the half sister to 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.

Ridden by Justify’s jockey, Mike Smith, Chasing Yesterday cruised to a 4 1/4-length victory in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden race.

“This filly is exciting,” Baffert said. “We thought she was a nice filly and was working well. It looks like she handled business.”

Chasing Yesterday is by the championship stallion Tapit out of American Pharoah’s mother, Littleprincessemma. She has been in the Baffert barn next to Justify, who was paraded for a final time at Del Mar before heading off to Kentucky to prepare for breeding duties.

“I think he’s going to miss her because she’s right next to him and that’s his girlfriend,” Baffert said. “The thing about Justify is he’s going out a true champion.”