Maysam bounces back with nose win in Santa Ysabel

ARCADIA, Calif. – Two weeks after a dreadful outing at Sunland Park, the 3-year-old filly Maysam had a fortunate trip, and her nose in front at the wire, in Sunday’s Grade 3 Santa Ysabel Stakes at Santa Anita.

Maysam ($5) edged Supa Speed, the even-money favorite, by a nose after the two ran as a pair through an exciting stretch duel.

Ridden by Juan Hernandez, Maysam ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.62.

For Maysam, the $98,000 Santa Ysabel for fillies was her second win in three starts since her career began in late January. She was sixth of seven at remarkably short odds of 1-10 in the Sunland Park Oaks in New Mexico on Feb. 16.

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Hernandez rode Maysam for the first time in the Sunland Park Oaks. Maysam raced wide after a slow start and was out of contention in early stretch in that race.

On Sunday, Maysam set a modest pace of 23.35 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 47.74 for a half-mile, leading by a length. Supa Speed, racing on dirt for the first time in her sixth start, stalked Maysam to the turn before drawing alongside the leader.

Maysam led by a head with a furlong remaining.

“She was waiting for company and she was a little late in switching leads,” Hernandez said. “She’s still a little green. She didn’t get anything out of the New Mexico race.”

Supa Speed placed in two one-mile turf stakes for 2-year-old fillies last year. Jockey Flavien Prat thought Supa Speed was positioned to win when he challenged Hernandez and Maysam.

“I drew up to him and we pushed each other,” Prat said.

Maysam finished 6 1/2 lengths clear of 7-2 Howin, who was well clear of 13-1 Just as Fancy in a field of four. Cipriana and Hey Jessie were withdrawn on Sunday morning.

Maysam, by Game Winner, races for Michael Petersen and trainer Bob Baffert, who also trains Howin.

Maysam won her debut in a maiden race at 6 1/2 furlongs on Jan. 24. Purchased for $500,000 at the 2024 Ocala Breeders’ Sale of 2-year-olds in-training last March, Maysam has earned $98,500.

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