Lucky to Win tries two turns in Soviet Problem

CYPRESS, Calif. – Her performance in Saturday’s $100,000 Soviet Problem Stakes at a mile at Los Alamitos could define Lucky to Win’s winter campaign.

Lucky to Win won her second start, which came in a maiden race at 5 1/2 furlongs at Del Mar on Nov. 20. The Soviet Problem Stakes, restricted to California-bred 2-year-olds, will be Lucky to Win’s first start around two turns. The filly is by Lucky J.H. and owned by breeder John Harris.

“I think she can handle it,” trainer Sean McCarthy said of the distance. “Off her two races, I’m confident she can get the mile. This will give us an idea if two turns will be her style. It will help answer some questions for 2016.”

Mario Gutierrez is booked to ride Lucky to Win, who finished fourth in her debut at Santa Anita in October.

Lucky to Win is part of a projected field of eight in the Soviet Problem. The race is led by Patriotic Diamond, who won the Generous Portion Stakes at Del Mar in August and an allowance race for California-bred 2-year-old fillies there on Nov. 26. There is one other stakes winner in the field in Just Google Me, who won the Barretts Debutante Stakes at Los Alamitos in September, and was ninth in the Golden State Juvenile Fillies at Del Mar on Oct. 29.