Artistic Diva leads all the way in Anoakia Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. - The raw speed of Artistic Diva was on clear display in Sunday’s $71,500 Anoakia Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita.

Artistic Diva ($13.80) led from the start and was never challenged, winning by 2 1/4 lengths over 10-1 Steph Being Steph. Ridden by Victor Espinoza, Artistic Diva was timed in 1:10.84.

“She has natural speed and it’s pretty fast,” Espinoza said. “We leave her alone.”

Espinoza had Artistic Diva in front by 1 1/2 lengths through an opening quarter-mile in 21.72 seconds. The lead widened to 2 1/2 lengths with a quarter-mile remaining and by 3 1/2 lengths in the stretch.

Just a Smidge, the 3-2 favorite who was fifth in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante on Sept. 2 and the Grade 1 Chandelier Stakes here Sept. 30, closed from last in a field of five to finish third, beaten 3 3/4 lengths. Secret Spice was fourth, followed by Chatty.

Artistic Diva, by Munnings, won her debut in a five-furlong turf race for maidens at Del Mar on Aug. 24. She was always near the front that day and won by 1 1/2 lengths. Artistic Diva has worked consistently on dirt in the last month.

“She always works well on dirt and I thought she could handle it,” Espinoza said. “She had the experience of last time. She has shown she has a lot of speed out of the gate.”

Artistic Diva races for Pete and Kosta Hronis and trainer John Sadler. The filly was purchased for $425,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale of 2-year-olds in-training in April and has earned $78,900 in two starts.