Canoodling ($47.40) leads all the way in Megahertz Stakes
ARCADIA, Calif. - Canoodling began her career in California in 2020 and developed into a two-time stakes winner in New Mexico last summer and fall.
A return to California this winter has taken the 4-year-old filly’s career to a higher level. On Saturday at Santa Anita, Canoodling led throughout the Grade 3 Megahertz Stakes for fillies and mares at a mile on turf to win for the seventh time in her 14-race career and for the first time in a graded stakes.
Ridden by Roimes Chirinos, Canoodling ($47.40) was timed in 1:37.30 and held off a late surge from 8-5 favorite Warren’s Showtime to win by a half-length. Canoodling earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 84.
For the New Mexico-based Chirinos, the Megahertz was his first career graded stakes win. Chirinos said a slow pace of 25.30 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 49.87 for a half-mile was vital for the upset win in the $101,000 Megahertz.
“They put no pressure on me,” he said. “I couldn’t believe it.”
Warren’s Showtime, a seven-time stakes winner, closed from fourth along the inside in the final furlong to be closest to the front at the finish. Warren’s Showtime was ridden by Juan Hernandez and did not have a clear run through the stretch, racing behind Canoodling. Warren’s Showtime moved closer to Canoodling in the final strides.
“I had a tough trip in the stretch,” Hernandez said. “I was sitting good. There was no pace at all. I wished the hole had opened before.”
Avenue de France, a 24-1 outsider, finished third, followed by Bodhicitta, Madone, Burgoo Alley, and Sloane Garden.
Canoodling, a 4-year-old filly by Pioneerof the Nile, races for B4 Farms. Purchased for $180,000 as a yearling in 2019, Canoodling has had three trainers – Jeff Mullins in California in 2020, Todd Fincher in 2021 and Mike Puype since late 2021.
Canoodling finished fifth of seven in the Grade 1 La Brea Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at seven furlongs at Santa Anita on Dec. 26 in her first start for Puype. Chirinos, 39, was aboard Canoodling in the La Brea.
A native of Venezuela, Chirinos has ridden Canoodling in her last seven starts, winning five races. Last year, Canoodling won the Albuquerque Distaff in August and the Zia Distaff at Zia Park in November with Chirinos aboard.
“She’s a tiny little thing, but she has a big heart,” Chirinos said. “She always tries.”
Canoodling has earned $278,023.
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