Lady of Shamrock could be just the beginning for Amandine

ARCADIA, Calif. – This could be a busy opening week of the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting for the promising 3-year-old filly Amandine.

On Wednesday, Amandine has her stakes debut in the $75,000 Lady of Shamrock Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at a mile on turf. If she wins easily, Amandine could return in Saturday’s Grade 1 American Oaks at 1 1/4 miles on turf for 3-year-old fillies.

“She’s going to have to gallop in the first one,” trainer Jeff Mullins said.

Owned by Red Baron’s Barn, Rancho Temescal, and Shanderella Stables, Amandine won her American debut with little fuss in an allowance race with a $40,000 claiming option at a mile on turf on Nov. 22 at Del Mar. Ridden by Drayden Van Dyke, who is booked to ride Wednesday, Amandine closed from ninth in a field of 11 with a wide move to win by a commanding 3 1/4 lengths.

“Drayden says she’s the best 3-year-old filly he’s ever sat on,” Mullins said. “He says, ‘I’m riding this one no matter where she runs.’ ”

Mullins said campaigning horses on short rest is something he once did in Utah at the start of his career.

“Used to do it in Utah all the time,” he said. “Go to a four-day meet, you run opening day and the last day.

“I think she’s a very, very talented filly.”

Amandine, by Shamardal, was purchased privately in England this fall. Previously trained by David Simcock, Amandine had one win in 11 starts in England, taking a maiden race at seven furlongs at Leicester Racecourse in July.

In the Lady of Shamrock, Amandine drew the rail in a field of eight that includes Ms Bad Behavior and Streak of Luck, who were second and third in the Grade 3 Autumn Miss Stakes at a mile on turf here Oct. 27.

Ms Bad Behavior, trained by Richard Baltas, won the China Doll Stakes here last March and has been second or third in five turf stakes this year.

– additional reporting by Brad Free

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