Jenda goes after a double

SAN MATEO, Calif. - Trainer Chuck Jenda could be looking at back-to-back stakes victories at Bay Meadows.

A B Noodle won last weekend's Grade 3 Yerba Buena Handicap for Jenda, and on Saturday the trainer sends out Lost Bride in the $55,000-added San Jose Stakes at 1 1/16 miles.

The field for the stakes for 3-year-old fillies is coming up light. Only eight were nominated, and, as of Wednesday, only five were listed as definite - Apollonesian, the Jerry Hollendorfer-trained entry of Heavenly Humor and Secret Corsage, Tequila Lana, and Lost Bride.

Since coming north to Jenda's barn, Lost Bride has won two straight - a $40,000 starter allowance at a mile on the main track at Golden Gate Fields, and a first-level allowance at 7 1/2 furlongs on turf at Bay Meadows. She beat Slews in Demand by three lengths in the former before beating her by six on turf in the latter.

Lost Bride was claimed for $32,000 from her second start on Nov. 11 and won her maiden by 12 lengths for a $40,000 tag in her next start on Dec. 3. She was on the pace before fading late in a $40,000 starter allowance race on Feb. 5 before being sent to Jenda.

"She's a big, good-looking filly," Jenda said. "She looks like the real deal."

Saturday's stakes race is a natural progression for the filly following her wins in starter allowance and allowance company.

"The way she won on the turf, I'd prefer keeping her on the turf, but when you're in a category like this, you have to take what they give you," Jenda said. "If this works, there's a turf stakes next month." The Bay Meadows Oaks on turf is June 12.

The San Jose will give Jenda better insight into how good the filly really is, but he is expecting a good race.

She has been working well, including a seven-furlong bullet drill Saturday following a strong six-furlong work the previous Saturday.

"I like her style," Jenda said, explaining that Lost Bride has a combination of speed and a willingness to rate just off the pace.

Mocha Mania steps up in feature

Five 3-year-old fillies meet in Friday's feature, a 5 1/2-furlong sprint for $16,000 claimers.

Mocha Mania, who drew the rail, is making a big step up after winning an $8,000 maiden claimer in her last start, but she has a pace advantage and the best last-race Beyer.

* Mike Ziegler, vice president of administration and assistant general manager for Magna Entertainment Corp. at Santa Anita, has resigned and will join the new Bay Meadows Racing Association in a capacity that is still to be determined.