Desert Stormer, McCann's Mojave get just five apiece
ARCADIA, Calif. – The struggle to fill races at Santa Anita has spilled into the stakes program.
Sunday’s nine-race card attracted just 54 entrants; two stakes each have five. The $75,000 Desert Stormer Stakes is low on quantity and high on quality, led by Sensitively. She is favored to extend her win streak against unbeaten South American import Juno and comebacker Luminance in race 5.
In the supporting feature, Avanti Bello heads an evenly matched five-pack in the $75,000 McCann’s Mojave for California-breds in race 8. Soi Phet and Songforjohnmichael are his main rivals in the 1 1/16-mile race.
The six-furlong Desert Stormer marks the U.S. debut of Juno, who will make her first start for trainer Richard Mandella and her first on dirt.
“If it was on grass, I’d think she has a big chance,” Mandella said. “I think she still does, but a lot of turf horses train on dirt and won’t run on it. She works [on dirt] like she’ll do it.”
As for Sensitively, “her confidence is through the roof,” trainer Phil D’Amato said. She won three recent allowance races by open lengths and should be heavily favored while facing tougher competition and a faster pace.
The quick Shh She’s Ours breaks from post 2 and will keep Sensitively honest. It might not matter. Sensitively breaks from post 5 and benefits from a statistical quirk. The outside post at this meet at six furlongs is 10 for 38 through Thursday, irrespective of field size.
Desert Stormer, Race 5
Key Contenders
Sensitively, by Street Sense
Last 3 Beyers: 97-97-96
◗ Tyler Baze rides Sensitively, who will be considered for the Grade 3 Rancho Bernardo Handicap on July 17 at Del Mar, pending her effort Sunday.
◗ She was sold privately by breeder John Liviakis to Anthony Fanticola and Joe Scardino prior to her April 7 win in a second-level allowance. She has won 4 of 7 overall.
Luminance, by Tale of the Cat
Last 3 Beyers: 81-86-81
◗ She has not started since May 2015 but has worked well for trainer Bob Baffert, including a 1:11 gate work June 18, the fastest of the day.
“She’s training well, it’s just a tough spot,” Baffert said. His preference was to bring Luminance back in a second-level allowance, but none were available.
Juno, by Setembro Chove
◗ After spending quarantine in Florida, the 5-for-5 filly was sent to Mandella in March. Two recent workouts were the fastest of the day.
“She’s got some speed, but in this kind of [race], she’ll probably sit a little bit off,” Mandella said.
McCann’s Mojave, Race 8
Key Contenders
Avanti Bello, by Include
Last 3 Beyers: 100-87-83
◗ He won the $150,000 Tiznow Stakes last time with a pressing trip but could be loose on the lead in this race. Rafael Bejarano rides for trainer Doug O’Neill.
Soi Phet, by Tizbud
Last 3 Beyers: 100-94-92
◗ He finished second by a nose to Avanti Bello last out while compromised by a wide trip. The challenge Sunday is rallying from behind an uncontested pacesetter. “I’m going to leave it up to Kent [Desormeaux],” trainer Leonard Powell said. “It’s a five-horse field. Hopefully, I’m not five wide.”
Songforjohnmichael, by Songandaprayer
Last 3 Beyers: 88-98-90
◗ He set the pace and tired to fourth as the favorite in the Tiznow while compromised by strategy. “He runs better with a target,” trainer Dan Hendricks said. “He gets bored out on the lead.”