Lucky Girl surges in China Doll Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. - Sometimes a bold move is a winning move.

On the backstretch of Sunday’s $101,500 China Doll Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on turf at Santa Anita, jockey Joe Bravo urged Lucky Girl into contention while racing wide. The rapid rally took Lucky Girl from seventh to second within a quarter-mile.

Lucky Girl’s momentum continued in early stretch when she took a one-length advantage by the eighth pole. Lucky Girl ($14) held on to win the China Doll by three-quarters of a length over of 23-1 An Agent Mistake.

The China Doll Stakes was Lucky Girl’s second consecutive stakes win. She won the $80,300 Lady of Shamrock Stakes at a mile on turf on Jan. 30 under Bravo with the same aggressive kick in the middle of the race.

:: Win big at Santa Anita: Get DRF Past Performances, Picks, Clocker Reports and Betting Strategies.

“At the half-mile pole, I thought this is the exact trip she did in her last start,” Bravo said. “I knew she could do it. If it was a horse I didn’t know, I don’t know if I would have the confidence.”

Lucky Girl was timed in 1:36.02 and earned a career-high Beyer Figure of 83.

An Agent Mistake finished a half-length in front of 2-1 Sterling Crest. Lucky Girl and Sterling Crest are trained by Richard Baltas.

Island of Love, second in the Lady of Shamrock, finished fourth as the 9-5 favorite, and was followed by Gold Dragon Queen, Pammy’s Ready, Virulente and Urban.

Island of Love stalked the pace to the final turn, but could not stay in contention. She was beaten 1 3/4 lengths.

Lucky Girl races for Panic Stable, and has won 2 of 6 starts and earned $113,663. An Irish-bred filly by Exceed and Excel, Lucky Girl won the Lady of Shamrock as a maiden.

:: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports