Jolie Olimpica makes it look easy in Las Cienegas

ARCADIA, Calif. – Jolie Olimpica won her American debut, and set a course record for 5 1/2 furlongs on turf, without displaying a strenuous effort in Saturday’s Grade 3 Las Cienegas Stakes at Santa Anita.

Ridden confidently by Mike Smith, Jolie Olimpica stalked pacesetter Kentan Road to the final furlong before pulling clear to win by 1 1/4 lengths over that rival in 1:01. She earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 98.

The previous course record of 1:01.49 was held by Torosay from a maiden special weight race on Nov. 3. Santa Anita began running races at 5 1/2 furlongs on turf in late September at the start of the autumn meeting.

Jolie Olimpica remained unbeaten in four starts with the win in the $100,000 Las Cienegas Stakes, having won three times in Brazil in the first half of 2019.

In the Las Cienegas, Jolie Olimpica, the 6-5 favorite, stalked Kentan Road through early fractions of 22 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 44.22 for a half-mile. Smith positioned Jolie Olimpica to the outside of Kentan Road in early stretch and took the lead with minimal effort.

“She settled very nicely,” Smith said. “She galloped out well within herself.”

Kentan Road (5-1) finished 2 1/4 lengths in front of 3-2 Storm the Hill, who was followed by An Eddie Surprise and Free Cover.

Jolie Olimpica, a 4-year-old filly by Drosselmeyer, races for Rick Porter’s Fox Hill Farms and trainer Richard Mandella. In Brazil, Jolie Olimpica won turf races at distances ranging from about 6 1/2 furlongs to about a mile, including a Group 1 race by six lengths in her final start in that country last June.

Smith projects Jolie Olimpica will make a successful transition to longer races in this country.

“She gives you every indication she should get two turns,” Smith said.