Hoop of Colour wins U.S. debut in optional claimer

Hoop of Colour, a two-time winner in England in 2014, won her American debut Thursday in an optional claimer at 1 1/4 miles on turf.

The win left trainer Graham Motion contemplating a stakes appearance for Hoop of Colour in coming months. One possibility is the $200,000 Santa Ana Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf March 15.

“I think it’s something to consider,” Motion said. “It would be a big step.”

Hoop of Colour races for the Niarchos family’s Flaxman Holdings. In England, she won consecutive starts for trainer Jane Cecil at Newbury and Pontefract racecourses. Thursday’s race was against a tougher field. Ridden by Drayden Van Dyke, Hoop of Colour closed from third in the field of eight to win by two lengths over Stylish in Black.

Hoop of Colour is by Distorted Humor. She is a half-sister to Aruna, the winner of the Grade 1 Spinster Stakes at Keeneland in 2011.