Anisette dominant in American Oaks victory

ARCADIA, Calif. – Anisette cemented her reputation as the top 3-year-old turf filly in California on Tuesday at Santa Anita, where the odds-on favorite scored her second Grade 1 victory, winning the American Oaks by 1 3/4 lengths.

Although the Leonard Powell-trained filly won the 1 1/14-mile turf race rallying from behind, the outcome was never in doubt once Anisette ($3.20) settled third on the rail.

“Today, she relaxed for me,” jockey Umberto Rispoli said. That was the critical, because Anisette got rank and finished second the last time she raced 1 1/4 miles. That was against older fillies and mares two starts back in the Grade 2 Rodeo Drive, followed by a runner-up finish last out in a Grade 3 turf mile won by the pacesetter.

But the American Oaks unfolded perfectly. Anisette tucked comfortably third on the rail while Be Your Best surprisingly made the lead over Musical Mischief. Anisette saved ground, angled out, and the race was over. She finished the 1 1/4-mile turf race in 2:00.22 and earned a 90 Beyer Speed Figure.

“Coming down the lane, she knows when to come around horses,” Rispoli said. “Poof, with a turn of foot. I know what I’m sitting on, and I know how good she can be.”

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Anisette was good Tuesday against the small field. Be Your Best finished second, and Musical Mischief finished third. Sakura Flavor and Elounda Queen finished fourth and fifth.

The scratches of Khinjani and Grace Period left the American Oaks with five starters, which is the smallest field in the 22-year history of the race.

Anisette began her career in England, winning one of three starts as a 2-year-old. Since she was imported to the U.S. by owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, she has never run a bad race.

Bred in England and sired by Awtaad, Anisette won her first three U.S. starts – an entry-level allowance followed by the Grade 2 San Clemente and Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks. She entered the American Oaks off a pair of runner-up finishes.

“Her last two races, she didn’t win, but there were [extenuating] circumstances,” Powell said. “I didn’t blame her, and she made amends today.”

The American Oaks was the final age-restricted turf stakes for fillies in California; the next start for Anisette will be against older fillies and mares. Anisette has won five races and $606,871 from nine starts.

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