Lexie Lou likely to return to turf in February

Lexie Lou, second to Thegirlinthatsong in Saturday’s Grade 2 La Canada Stakes on dirt, is likely to return to racing on turf in February.

Lexie Lou made the first 16 starts of her career on turf and synthetic tracks before the La Canada in which she was beaten 4 1/4 lengths as the even-money favorite by 6-1 Thegirlinthatsong.

On Sunday, trainer Mark Casse said he would consult with owner Gary Barber about Lexie Lou’s next start and mentioned the $200,000 Buena Vista Stakes over a mile on turf Feb. 16 as a possibility.

“I’m leaning toward going back to the grass,” he said.

Lexie Lou was as far back as fifth in the field of seven in the La Canada Stakes over 1 1/16 miles before closing through the stretch to be second.

Ridden by Corey Nakatani, Lexie Lou was in tight early in the race when the pacesetter Jojo Warrior moved toward the rail, resulting in Lexie Lou reacting to having dirt in her face and chest.

“[Corey] said it took her awhile to get used to getting in her face,” Casse said.

The La Canada Stakes was Lexie Lou’s first start since a second to California Chrome in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby on turf at Del Mar in November.

Thegirlinthatsong won her first graded stakes in the La Canada and third stakes of her career. Thegirlinthatsong joined current trainer Jerry Hollendorfer last summer, having previously won stakes at Lone Star Park and Louisiana Downs.

On Sunday, Hollendorfer said he would consider the $200,000 Santa Maria Stakes over 1 1/16 miles Feb. 14 for Thegirlinthatsong’s next race.