Joseph considers entering Little Jamie in Matriarch Stakes
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California racing may get another visit this fall from the Florida-based mare Little Jamie, the upset winner of the Grade 2 Goldikova Stakes at Santa Anita on Saturday.
Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., said on Sunday morning that it is “possible” Little Jamie could be sent to Del Mar for the Grade 1 Matriarch Stakes for fillies and mares at a mile on turf on Nov. 29.
“We’ll ship her back (to Florida) and decide,” Joseph said. “I think it’s a good distance.”
The $103,000 Goldikova Stakes was run for fillies and mares at a mile on turf.
Little Jamie ($21.20) closed from slightly off the pace to win the Goldikova by a neck over the fast-closing Lady in Paris. Little Jamie, who was ridden for the first time by Tiago Pereira, was timed in 1:34.09 and earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 95.
“We thought on paper she had a shot,” Joseph said. “She stepped it up and Tiago gave her a good ride.”
Little Jamie, owned and bred by John and Jamie Williams, was the fifth stakes win of the year in California for Joseph.
Earlier this year, Joseph won the Grade 2 Hollywood Gold Cup and Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes at Santa Anita with Forged Steel, and the Grade 1 Clement Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar with Eunomia.
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