Elloluv wins, this time at low odds

ARCADIA, Calif. - Elloluv went from a 30-1 outsider in the Hollywood Starlet last month to a 9-5 contender in Monday's Grade 2, $150,000 at Santa Anita.

The role reversal made owner Paul Reddam anxious, but the result was the same. Elloluv scored a convincing victory to stake a claim as one of the top 3-year-old fillies in California.

She won the Starlet Stakes by four lengths on Dec. 14, and scored a commanding 2 1/2-length win in the Santa Ynez.

"I was nervous about this race," Reddam said. "At 30-1, you don't have to worry about it."

Ridden by Patrick Valenzuela, Elloluv was third early, stalking the pace set by No Love Song and Himalayan. Racing wide on the turn, Valenzuela brought Elloluv closer to the front in early stretch and was not threatened in the final furlong.

"She got a great ride," Reddam said.

Elloluv ($5.60) finished seven furlongs in 1:23.03.

"The last quarter-mile I just asked her and she took off," Valenzuela said. "I was really happy with the way she finished."

Watching You, who was fourth in the Hollywood Starlet, finished second, eight lengths in front of Himalayan. The disappointment in the field of five 3-year-old fillies was Puxa Saco. Sent off as the 6-5 favorite on the strength of stakes wins in sprints in the fall at Santa Anita and Hollywood Park, Puxa Saco rallied along the rail to challenge the leaders on the backstretch, but quickly faded from contention.

Puxa Saco finished 12 1/2 lengths behind the winner, and beat only No Love Song, who tailed off badly in the final furlong.

Elloluv will be pointed for the Grade 1, $200,000 Las Virgenes Stakes at one mile on Feb. 9, according to trainer Craig Dollase.