Champion Kiss Thru Fire streaks into Mildred Vessels Handicap

Kiss Thru Fire was the champion aged Quarter Horse mare of 2021, a title she may claim again this year.

A three-time stakes winner in 2022, Kiss Thru Fire can all but clinch the trophy with a win in the $156,300 Mildred Vessels Handicap at 400 yards for fillies and mares at Los Alamitos on Sunday evening.

The Mildred Vessels Handicap is one of the nation’s leading races for fillies and mares. The winner receive a provisional entry to the $750,000 Champion of Champions at 440 yards against males on Dec. 10.

Sunday’s race drew a field of 10, including 2021 winner Reason to Fly Mv, the undefeated Nymphette, and All Pointz Bulletin, winner of the Oklahoma Derby at Remington Park in March.

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The Mildred Vessels Handicap is one of the few stakes for fillies and mares at Los Alamitos that Kiss Thru Fire has yet to win.

Trained by Juan Aleman for owner and breeder Kirk Gentry, Kiss Thru Fire was second by a head to Reason to Fly Mv at 8-1 in the 2021 Mildred Vessels. Kiss Thru Fire will not be anywhere near that price Sunday.

Kiss Thru Fire, who will be ridden by Jesus Ayala, drew the outside post, which Aleman said may benefit the 5-year-old mare.

“She’s not the quickest out of the gate,” he said. “I like that post for her.

“If she gets a clean break and runs her race, she should have a good chance.”

The 2021 Mildred Vessels was the last time Kiss Thru Fire failed to finish first at 400 yards. She has since won three stakes at the distance and finished first in the Las Damas Handicap at 400 yards last November, only to be disqualified and placed seventh for causing interference.

Kiss Thru Fire starts Sunday on the strength of two consecutive wins at 400 yards – the $100,000 Abigail Kawananakoa Stakes in June and the California Breeders’ Matron Stakes on July 31. She was strongly favored in both.

Kiss Thru Fire, a winner of 12 of 30 starts, will be retired early next year, Aleman said.

Reason to Fly Mv, trained by Jose Flores, was fourth behind Kiss Thru Fire in the prestigious Charger Bar Handicap at 400 yards in January, and was rested through the winter and spring. Reason to Fly Mv won an allowance race at 330 yards on Aug. 7 in her second start of 2022.

Nymphette has won twice, a maiden race at 300 yards on July 16 and the California Breeders’ Freshman Stakes at 350 yards on July 31.