Bad Ju Ju pointed toward Evening Jewel Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – Bad Ju Ju is having a fortunate run in recent starts.

After beating maidens in her second start in December at Los Alamitos, Bad Ju Ju won an optional claimer for California-bred 3-year-old fillies Thursday. The win has led trainer Mike Machowsky to aim Bad Ju Ju for the $200,000 Evening Jewel Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs for statebred 3-year-old fillies April 4.

“That’s the goal,” Machowsky said. “I’d like to run her in an open allowance [as a prep race].”

Bad Ju Ju races for Machowsky’s Lo Hi Stable and Dick Barton. The filly, by Desert Code, is out of the Snow Ridge mare Ju Ju Baby, a five-time winner in Florida and California from 2006-09.

On Thursday, Bad Ju Ju ($4.60) led throughout a six-furlong race under jockey Kayla Stra, beating the 4-5 favorite Easter Fever.