Evita Argentina scores in A Gleam

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Seven-furlong races are defining Evita Argentina's career.

In Saturday's at Hollywood Park, Evita Argentina won her third seven-furlong stakes, rallying from last in a field of nine to win by two lengths over Silver Swallow.

The victory led trainer John Sadler to list the $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint over seven furlongs at Santa Anita on Nov. 6 as a long-term goal.

"I'm hoping she'll be nice and strong for the Breeders' Cup," Sadler said.

Evita Argentina became the first 3-year-old to win the A Gleam Handicap since Honeymoon in 1946. Back then, the race was known as the Sequoia Handicap.

"You usually don't run 3-year-olds against older at this time of year," Sadler said. "She's a seven-furlong specialist."

Ridden by Joel Rosario, Evita Argentina ($9.20) ran the distance in 1:21.80. Rosario kept Evita Argentina last for the first half-mile before launching a five-wide rally on the turn. Fourth with a furlong remaining, Evita Argentina took the lead in the final sixteenth.

Silver Swallow closed from eighth to finish second, a head in front of the 3-year-old Lady Lumberjack. Coco Belle, the 5-2 favorite, set the pace of 22.18 and 44.78 seconds, but faded in the final furlong to finish sixth.

Evita Argentina has won 5 of 10 starts and $431,400 for Three Sisters Thoroughbreds and breeder Ted Aroney's Halo Farms. She won the seven-furlong Moccasin Stakes here last November and beat males over that distance in the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita in February.

Sadler said Evita Argentina will make her next start in the $200,000 Rancho Bernardo Handicap at Del Mar on Sept. 4.