Causeforcommotion to continue long-winded ways

ARCADIA, Calif. – Causeforcommotion, the winner of the Grade 3 Santa Barbara Stakes at Santa Anita on Saturday, thrives in distance races on turf. That could lead to a journey outside of California this summer, trainer and co-owner Eric Kruljac said on Sunday.

Kruljac was debating Causeforcommotion’s next start on Sunday following her impressive win in the Santa Barbara Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf. Ridden by Geovanni Franco, Causeforcommotion was always near the front and pulled clear in the stretch to win by nine lengths.

Ideally, Causeforcommotion would race at 1 1/4 miles or farther, Kruljac said. One exception could be the Grade 2 John Mabee Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Del Mar on Aug 31. Another possibility for her is the Grade 1 Beverly D. Stakes at 1 3/16 miles on turf at Arlington Park on Aug. 10.

“I think her best distances are a mile and a quarter and beyond,” Kruljac said. “We’re seeking Grade 1 or Grade 2 black type.”

If Causeforcommotion runs well against tougher competition, the Grade 1 Rodeo Drive Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf here in late September is a possibility, Kruljac said.

“As long as she’s going the way she is, that’s a natural direction,” Kruljac said.

Causeforcommotion won her first graded stakes in the $100,000 Santa Barbara Stakes in her second start this year. She was sidelined last summer after straining a suspensory in a workout at Del Mar.

Owned by a partnership led by John Sondreker, Causeforcommotion has won 4 of 16 starts and earned $263,910.