On the Backstreets stays undefeated on hillside with Ultrafleet win

ARCADIA, Calif. – On the Backstreets may have a long career on Santa Anita’s unique hillside turf course.

On Friday, On the Backstreets stretched her undefeated streak on the hillside to three races with a comprehensive victory in the $78,250 Ultrafleet Stakes for 3-year-old fillies over about 6 1/2 furlongs on turf.

Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, On the Backstreets ($2.80) closed from third in a field of six to take the lead in the early stretch. She led by 1 1/2 lengths with a furlong remaining and won by 2 1/4 lengths over 4-1 Clenor.

“We knew she likes the trip, and she loves the hill,” said winning trainer Peter Miller. “Rafael gave her a super ride.”

Sushi Empire, a 13-1 shot, finished third, followed by Saintly Joan, Bell of the Fleet, and La Sorella.

On the Backstreets was timed in 1:12.08.

Earlier this year, On the Backstreets won an optional claimer in January, and the Sweet Life Stakes on the hillside Feb. 15. She lost her next two starts, a fourth in the China Doll Stakes over a mile on turf here March 8 and a seventh in the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes on the Polytrack synthetic surface April 5 at Keeneland.

Owned by the partnership of Ron Brewer, David Lanzman, and Rockingham Ranch, On the Backstreets is by Street Boss. On the Backstreets has won 4 of 8 starts and earned $171,294.

Miller said he would like to keep On the Backstreets on the hillside turf course in coming weeks. One option later this month is the $75,000 Mizdirection Stakes against older fillies and mares May 25.