Antonucci ships maidens in for stakes
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California-bred stakes seldom attract runners from the East Coast, but classic-winning trainer Jena Antonucci has two maidens in six-figure stakes at Del Mar this weekend.
On Friday, Party Animal, winless in five starts, runs in the $150,000 Real Good Deal Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs. On Saturday, Antonucci runs Bull Shoals in the $150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on turf. Both are owned by Bushman Thoroughbreds and will be ridden by Jose Morelos, who rides frequently for Antonucci.
Despite the absence of wins, both merit consideration, Antonucci warned on Thursday.
“They’re East Coast maidens, but they’re running in open company,” she said.
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Party Animal has finished third and fourth in two maiden races at 6 1/2 furlongs at Saratoga since early June. Party Animal, who typically races as a stalker, will be fitted with blinkers for the first time on Friday.
“I think the seven furlongs hits him right between the eyes,” Antonucci said.
Bull Shoals is winless in four starts and closed well to finish second in two maiden races at a mile and 1 1/16 miles on turf at Saratoga since early June.
Antonucci, best known for winning the Belmont Stakes with Arcangelo in 2023, said she plans to attend the Del Mar races on Friday and Saturday but will return to Saratoga for Sunday. Antonucci has three runners entered there on Sunday, including Luminous Beauty in the Grade 3 Adirondack Stakes for 2-year-old fillies.
“We’re busy, and that’s a good thing,” she said.