Gallagher stablemates have shot to run one-two in Possibly Perfect

ARCADIA, Calif. – How good is September Stars? It is a key question Sunday at Santa Anita, where the exciting allowance-class stretch runner faces Grade 3-winning stablemate Evo Campo in the $75,000 Possibly Perfect Stakes.

Paddy Gallagher has won more than 70 stakes, including two of the last three runnings of the Possibly Perfect, but Sunday could be the first one-two stakes finish in his career. He trains September Stars and Evo Campo.

“They’re both ready to run, both deserve to run in that spot,” Gallagher said.

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Evo Campo is more accomplished, having won the Grade 3 Santa Barbara last out and the Possibly Perfect last year, both at 1 1/2 miles. The Possibly Perfect has been shortened to 1 1/4 miles. No problem for Evo Campo, a long-distance presser.

“Ever since she developed that style, she seems to be running decently,” Gallagher said. “That’s the style she developed.”

While the tactical speed of Evo Campo should lead to a good trip, September Stars needs racing luck while rallying from behind with an explosive late kick. She is 2 for 2 since arriving from England. The competition is tougher Sunday.

“She has been impressive both her races, but those were just allowance races,” Gallagher said. “This is her first time stepping into a stakes, so it’s kind of an unknown.”

The seven-horse field includes Place des Vosges, fourth with an alibi as the Santa Barbara favorite, and Responsibleforlove, the longshot runner-up in the Santa Barbara.

Sunday’s card includes the $70,000 Santa Lucia Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on dirt. Five entered the Santa Lucia, including Show Stealer and Faithfully, who were cross-entered in the Beholder Mile on Saturday, but intend to scratch and run in this spot. Street Surrender is the one to beat.

Possibly Perfect, Race 8

KEY CONTENDERS

September Stars, by Sea the Stars

Last 2 Beyers: 87-87

◗ Her second-level allowance victory last out was better than it looks. She was shuffled from fourth to eighth on the far turn, angled outside for the stretch, and powered home to win by a half-length.

◗ Gary Stevens rode the 4-for-10 September Stars in both U.S. starts at 1 1/8 miles and retains the mount.

Evo Campo, by Approve

Last 3 Beyers: 92-84-92

◗ She was off from last June to March due to a lingering foot issue.

“She bruised the sole of her foot,” Gallagher said. “There was a hole there. It took her a while to grow in.”

◗ She finished fifth in her comeback and improved in her second start back with a perfect-trip Santa Barbara win under her jockey, Rafael Bejarano.

Place des Vosges, by Pleasantly Perfect

Last 3 Beyers: 85-89-82

◗ Trainer Richard Baltas expects a better effort than her lackluster fourth as the Santa Barbara favorite.

“Her feet were a little sore after the race,” he said. “Maybe they were a little sore going in.”

Baltas also believes she was too far off the slow pace.

◗ Her four-length, second-level allowance win two back puts her in the hunt. Norberto Arroyo rides.