Breeders' Cup Juvenile Filly Sprint Preview: Unusual Way takes day's opener

Barbara D. Livingston

Unusual Way, with Ramon Dominguez in the saddle, proves best.

ARCADIA, Calif. - Unusual Way took command at the break and went on to a clear-cut victory under Ramon Dominguez in the first of 12 races Saturday at Santa Anita, the $99,500 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Filly Sprint Preview Stakes.

There were little, if any, position changes shortly after the start of the seven-furlong race, which drew just five 2-year-old fillies. Unusual Way, trained by Jeff Bonde, was coming off a minor stakes victory at Santa Rosa. She broke swiftest of all, was chased by Switch to the Lead, then turned her back in midstretch to prevail by 3 1/2 lengths. The winner, a California-bred by Unusual Heat, returned $7.20 after finishing in 1:23.50 over a fast track.

Switch to the Lead held second by a half-length, followed to the wire by Truly Marie, Bares Tripper, and Sultry Season.

All five starters were competing without Lasix for the first time.

The $100,000-added purse included $25,000 reserved for Breeders' Cup nominees. All but Sultry Season were eligible.

The $2 exacta (4-2) paid $37.80 and the $1 trifecta (4-2-3) returned $77.10. There was no superfecta wagering.