It was reported earlier in the week that Boyd Racing and By Talla Racing's SPLENDORA (m, 5, Audible–Miss Freeze, by Frost Giant) would not take her spot in the field for Saturday's GII Shawnee Stakes on Stephen Foster Preview Day at Churchill Downs. Ultimately given her chance by trainer Bob Baffert, the reigning GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner sat a pace-pressing trip and easily saw out the 8 1/2-furlong trip to validate 6-5 favoritism.The Maryland-bred showed good pace from gate five, but was beaten to the lead by the rail-drawn Gin Gin (Hightail) and was content to take the sit from second beneath Flavien Prat. In a good rhythm into the final four furlongs, Splendora was asked to take closer order and poked a head in front five-sixteenths from home. Switching her leads on cue, Splendora pinched a break under left-handed urging and never looked like losing. Immersive (Nyquist) won a photo for second over Majestic Oops (Majestic Harbor).The victory, her first beyond a mile, came on the heels of a dull and distant fourth-place effort as the favorite in the GI Derby City Distaff over seven furlongs on the Kentucky Derby undercard four weeks back.'Today the real Splendora showed up,” said trainer Bob Baffert, who was on hand and explained that he was on the fence about running in the Shawnee or shipping to New York for Friday's GI Ogden Phipps Stakes at Saratoga.Sales history: $125,000 Ylg '22 FTKJUL. Lifetime Record: 14-8-4-0. O-Boyd Racing & By Talla Racing; B-The Elkstone Group LLC (MD); T-Bob Baffert What a run from Splendora! She captures the Grade II Shawnee Stakes with a standout performance on Stephen Foster Preview Day at Churchill Downs. pic.twitter.com/yjW1FzTkKn— Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) May 30, 2026The post ‘Mission’ Accomplished For Splendora in Shawnee appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.