Mucho Unusual pulls away unchallenged in California Cup Oaks

ARCADIA, Calif. - The expected challenge against the speedy Mucho Unusual never materialized in Monday’s $200,351 California Cup Oaks at Santa Anita.

Mucho Unusual led narrowly by a half-length midway through the one-mile turf race, and pulled away from eight rivals in early stretch to win by three lengths. The proceedings left jockey Joel Rosario slightly surprised, but content with the outcome.

“I know she had speed,” Rosario said. “I let her do what she wanted to do. I thought I would follow someone if they wanted the lead.”

Mucho Unusual ($23.80) won her first stakes in the California Cup Oaks for 3-year-old statebred fillies, her turf debut for owner and breeder George Krikorian, and trainer Tim Yakteen.

Mucho Unusual was timed in 1:36.92. She set a modest pace of 24.14 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 48.84 for a half-mile.

“She has a nice cruising speed,” Rosario said. “She ran a very big race.”

Lippy, a 23-1 outsider, finished second, a half-length in front of 4-1 Lakerball. Doug O’Neill trains Lippy and Lakerball.

Apache Princess, the 6-5 favorite, bobbled at the start and sustained a bump on the first turn. Apache Princess finished fifth.

Jockey Kent Desormeaux said the incident on the turn affected Apache Princess, who raced wide throughout and was beaten 7 1/4 lengths.

“She was really lethargic after that,” Desormeaux said. “It took the wind out of her.”

Apache Princess won the Grade 3 Sweet Life Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at 6 1/2 furlongs on Feb. 10.

Mucho Unusual, by Mucho Macho Man, has won 2 of 5 starts and earned $200,420. The California Cup Oaks was Mucho Unusual’s third appearance in a stakes. In 2018, Mucho Unusual was second in the Generous Portion Stakes at Del Mar last August in her debut and the Golden State Juvenile Fillies here in November.