Emollient rebounds to capture Rodeo Drive

ARCADIA, Calif. - Emollient ended a disappointing summer campaign with her fourth career Grade 1 win in Saturday’s $301,750 Rodeo Drive Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita.

The win was somewhat overshadowed by the fall of Moulin de Mougin on the turn. Moulin de Mougin was attempting a wide rally when she appeared to lose her balance and fall, sending jockey Mike Smith tumbling to the turf.

Both Moulin de Mougin and Smith were quickly on their feet. Moulin de Mougin ran to the backstretch before she was caught by an outrider. She was brought back in front of the stands, where she was inspected by trainer Richard Mandella.

“She looks okay,” said a visibly relieved Mandella. “There are a few skin marks.”

Emollient, who was sent off favored and paid $8.40, ran 1 1/4 miles on turf in 2:00.22, ending a six-race losing streak dating back to the Grade 1 Spinster Stakes at Keeneland last October.

The victory in the Rodeo Drive gives Emollient a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf through the Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In program. Emollient was fourth in the 2013 BC Filly and Mare Turf on this course.

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Ridden by Rosie Napravnik in the Rodeo Drive, Emollient closed from sixth in a field of 12 to win by a half-length over 6-1 Parranda. Napravnik had Emollient between horses on the backstretch but said she was not concerned about traffic issues in the stretch.

“I had so much horse,” Napravnik said. “I knew I could move when something opened up. She ran a big race today.”

Parranda, who won two graded stakes over a mile here in the spring and fall, was second throughout the race.

“I’m so disappointed that we didn’t win,” trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said.

Rusty Slipper and Irish Mission finished in a dead-heat for third. Both are eastern shippers. Rusty Slipper, a 20-1 shot, is trained by Graham Motion. Christophe Clement trains Irish Mission, who was sent off at 7-2.

Bee Brave was fifth, followed by Cozze Up Lady, Queen of The Sand, Famous Alice, Bunairgead, Scarlet Strike, and Miss Serendipity.

Emollient, a 4-year-old filly by Empire Maker, races for Juddmonte Farms and trainer Bill Mott. She won two Grade 1 race for 3-year-old fillies in 2013 - the Ashland Stakes at Keeneland and the American Oaks at Hollywood Park.