Gianna's Wild Cat's job in CTBA Stakes might be made easier
DEL MAR, Calif. – Gianna’s Wild Cat is a contender in Thursday’s $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Stakes at Del Mar following her win in a maiden special weight race on July 16. Her job might be made easier if two leading rivals – At the Spa and It’s Simple – run instead in Friday’s Grade 2 Sorrento Stakes, which is a possibility, their trainers said on Sunday.
That would be cool with Howard Zucker, who trains Gianna’s Wild Cat for Sunnyside Capital Ventures.
“I hope they both come out of there,” Zucker said.
Zucker said that of the nine fillies in the CTBA Stakes, for 2-year-old statebred fillies at 5 1/2 furlongs, At the Spa and It’s Simple “are the two that jump to mind.”
Gianna’s Wild Cat was sixth, beaten 13 1/4 lengths, behind It’s Simple in her debut, a maiden race for statebred fillies at five furlongs at Santa Anita on June 12. In the July 16 race, Gianna’s Wild Cat stumbled at the start, but recovered to dispute the pace before pulling clear by 2 1/2 lengths.
Apprentice jockey Jessica Pyfer rode Gianna’s Wild Cat for the first time on July 16 and has the mount on Thursday.
Zucker said Gianna’s Wild Cat has been an enthusiastic filly in recent weeks.
“She came out of her race in good shape,” Zucker said. “She wasn’t tired after. She was living up to her name.
“Everyone around her says she has come out of the race better. She’ll have to move forward.”
At the Spa is unbeaten in two starts and is the only stakes winner entered in the CTBA Stakes. At the Spa won the Fasig-Tipton Debutante at five furlongs at Santa Anita on June 20. At the Spa disputed the pace and won by 2 1/4 lengths.
Sunday, trainer Jorge Periban said he would prefer to start At the Spa in the Sorrento, but would consult with the owners before finalizing plans.
“My preference is Sorrento,” Periban said. “To me, the filly has more than what she has shown before. She’s ready.”
It’s Simple has not raced since a win in her debut in the June 12 maiden race. She disputed the pace and pulled clear by 5 1/2 lengths.
By Nyquist, It’s Simple drew post 7 in the CTBA Stakes.
“The post for the Thursday race is a bonus,” trainer Doug O’Neill said. “We like the graded angle for Friday as well.
“She’s a filly that seems like she enjoys being a racehorse. She seems to be getting better and better.”
The field includes five other fillies who each won a maiden race in her last start – Carmen Miranda, Drizella, Irish Wahine, Ko Olina, and Lion’s Lair.
Ko Olina led throughout a maiden special weight race for statebred fillies at five furlongs here on July 18, the second time she has finished first in a maiden race. Ko Olina was first by a nose in a maiden race at Santa Anita on June 19, but was disqualified and placed second for causing interference.
Days later, Ko Olina was listed as a buyback for $245,000 at the Fasig-Tipton California sale of 2-year-olds in training at Santa Anita.