Linda's Gift makes it look easy in Santa Ana Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. - Linda’s Gift continued her recent dominance of California’s female turf marathon division with a comfortable win in Saturday’s Grade 3 Santa Ana Stakes at Santa Anita.

Linda’s Gift ($4.60) was confidently ridden by jockey Tiago Pereira, who has been aboard the 5-year-old mare for her last six starts, a span that includes four wins, including three consecutive stakes wins.

In the $101,500 Santa Ana, Linda’s Gift stalked pacesetter Leisurewear to early stretch before taking the lead. Linda’s Gift quickly scooted clear to win by 3 3/4 lengths over 10-1 Queen’s Command. Khinjani, the 3-1 second choice, closed from seventh in a field of eight to finish third, beaten 5 1/4 lengths.

Linda’s Gift ran 1 1/4 miles on turf in 2:00.79 and ran a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 92.

As the race developed, Pereira said Linda’s Gift was a cooperative, and comfortable, mare.

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“She’s more relaxed,” Pereira said. “She didn’t pull. I never used the whip. Every race, she’s much better.”

Leisurewear faded to finish fourth, followed by Musical Rhapsody, Yerwanthere, Duvet Day and Customer List.

Linda’s Gift, a 5-year-old by Arrogate, won the Grade 3 Red Carpet Stakes at 1 3/8 miles on turf at Del Mar on Nov. 23, and her 2024 debut in the Astra Stakes at 1 1/2 miles on turf at Santa Anita on Jan. 21.

“I think she’s getting more confidence,” trainer Richard Mandella said. “She’s settling in.”

Linda’s Gift races for the partnership of John Cronin, Anthony DiMarco, Michael Mandara, Fred Nicotra and Vincent Varvaro.

The current winning streak could have been four had Linda’s Gift not finished a troubled fourth by 1 1/2 lengths in the restricted Kathryn Crosby Stakes at a mile on turf at Del Mar on Nov. 11.

With the win in the Santa Ana, Linda’s Gift has won 5 of 13 starts and earned $314,936.

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