Chancery Way possible for Spring Fever Stakes at Santa Anita

Chancery Way is bound for Santa Anita this winter after she won a sprint stakes for the third time in her last four starts in Saturday’s $75,900 Bear Fan Stakes for statebred fillies and mares at Golden Gate Fields.

Trainer Jamey Thomas said on Sunday that the $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes for statebred fillies and mares at six furlongs at Santa Anita on Feb. 18 may be the next start for Chancery Way.

“More than likely, it will be something down south,” Thomas said.

Sent off as the 4-5 favorite in the Bear Fan Stakes at six furlongs, Chancery Way led throughout, pulling clear in early stretch to lead by three lengths with a furlong remaining and by 1 1/2 lengths at the wire.

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The race complexion changed significantly when Baby Kristen broke poorly, and did not take her expected position as an early challenger to Chancery Way.

Owned by the father-son team of Andy and Rob Smolich of Carmichael, Calif., Chancery Way has won 7 of 12 starts and has earned $315,770.

A 4-year-old filly, Chancery Way has had mixed results in Southern California. She was last of five in the Spring Fever Stakes last February in the worst performance of her career, but led throughout the Betty Grable Stakes for statebred fillies and mares at seven furlongs at Del Mar on Nov 12.

Chancery Way has won two other stakes in her career, including the 2022 Bear Fan.

Thomas said the timing of the Spring Fever Stakes will benefit Chancery Way.

“She needs a little break to relax and be a horse and keep her fresh,” he said.

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