L.A. Woman victory may propel Gloryzapper to Breeders' Cup
ARCADIA, Calif.- Gloryzapper had a narrow lead with a furlong to go in Sunday’s $101,035 L.A. Woman Stakes at Santa Anita, an ideal position from trainer Phil D’Amato’s perspective.
“I like her in that scenario,” D’Amato said. “When she gets her head in front, she loves to fight them off.”
Ridden by Stewart Elliott, Gloryzapper ($11.20) held her advantage to the finish, winning the Grade 3 race at six furlongs by a half-length over 8-1 Wild at Heart. The victory may lead to a start in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint here on Nov. 5 for Gloryzapper, who races for Hebert Bloodstock, Richard Leggio, and Peter Peluso.
The L.A. Woman was the first stakes win for Gloryzapper, who has won 4 of 8 starts and earned $225,045. She was second in the minor Southern Truce Stakes at 1 1/16 miles here in July and eighth, beaten only three lengths, in the Grade 2 John Mabee Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Del Mar on Sept. 4.
The L.A. Woman Stakes was the first start in a stakes sprint for Gloryzapper. She ran 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.75.
Elliott had Gloryzapper near the front throughout, leading by a head over Perfect Pic through an opening quarter-mile in 22.13 seconds. After a half-mile, Perfect Pic led by a head over Gloryzapper through 45.10 seconds. With a furlong to go, Gloryzapper was back in front of Perfect Pic by a head.
Through the last furlong, Gloryzapper got away from Perfect Pic and held off a determined Wild At Heart, who did not have an ideal trip racing on the inside throughout. Wild At Heart closed well to finish a half-length in front of Perfect Pic, who was making her stakes debut in her third start.
Luminance, the even-money favorite, finished fourth, racing off the pace throughout. Juno was fifth, followed by Harlington’s Rose, Doodetta, and Indriya.