Distance of turf allowance suits Bombilate

ARCADIA, Calif. – Three races into her American career, Bombilate may have conditions in her favor in the fifth race Friday at Santa Anita, a first-level allowance with a $40,000 claiming option at 1 1/4 miles on turf.

Bombilate was second in a minor handicap at the same distance in England in May 2016 and will race over that trip for the first time in the United States on Friday. Trained by Jim Cassidy for Deron Pearson, Bombilate has finished fourth, sixth, and third in similar races at shorter distances since late July. Friday’s race drew a field of nine.

Friday’s program is part of the final week of the Santa Anita autumn meeting, which ends Sunday. Del Mar begins its autumn meeting Wednesday, highlighted by the Breeders’ Cup races on Nov. 3-4.

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KEY CONTENDERS

Bombilate, by Kitten’s Joy
Last 3 Beyers: 80-77-80

◗ Gary Stevens has ridden Bombilate in her three starts in California and retains the mount. In each of those races, Bombilate has stalked the pace and closed through the stretch to finish within two lengths of the winner. Bombilate was beaten three-quarters of a length in an optional claimer at a mile Sept. 29.

“She ran really well last time,” Cassidy said.

◗ Bombilate won a maiden race on the all-weather surface at Wolverhampton in England in April 2016. A month later, she contested the pace and was second by a neck in a handicap at 1 1/4 miles on turf at Nottingham.

◗ Bombilate was purchased for $350,000 at the Fasig-Tipton yearling sale at Saratoga in 2014 and raced in England for Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin Racing. Bombilate was purchased last December for $38,000.

Lucy De, by Decarchy
Last 3 Beyers: 79-79-81

◗ Lucy De is winless in eight starts this year but has been beaten a length or less in her last three starts. A 5-year-old California-bred mare, Lucy De joined trainer Richard Baltas’s stable in the spring. She finished a neck behind Bombilate when fourth on Sept. 29.

“She was a little unlucky last time and got stuck behind horses,” Baltas said. “She got out late.”

◗ Lucy De was fourth in her only other appearance at 1 1/4 miles on turf, which came last February. She raced near the front and lost by 1 1/2 lengths. Lucy De is likely to be near the pace Friday.

“I have a good feeling,” Baltas said. “She’s more of a one-paced type of horse.”

Antonina, by Awesome Twist

◗ Antonina was second in a Group 1 race for fillies and mares at 1 1/4 miles on turf in Peru in June 2016, her most recent start. A 5-year-old mare trained by Paulo Lobo, Antonina has won 2 of 6 starts.