Nimbostratus claim sets Santa Anita record

Nimbostratus had an active morning with trainer Leonard Powell on Sunday, a day after she was claimed for a Santa Anita record $150,000.

Shortly before 9 a.m., Powell ponied Nimbostratus on the training track and gave her a brief walk through the stable area before returning to the barn.

“I like to do a little something with them the day after a race and let them stretch out,” Powell said.

Nimbostratus, a 3-year-old French-bred filly by Wootton Bassett, won an optional claimer at six furlongs on turf by a neck for trainer Peter Miller on Saturday. In February, Nimbostratus was third behind division leader Going Global in the Grade 3 Sweet Life Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at six furlongs on turf.

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Powell said he made the claim with the filly’s residual value in mind.

“She (graded) stakes-placed and the stallion is hot,” he said.

Wootton Bassett was acquired by the Coolmore syndicate last year and transferred to their Irish farm for the 2021 breeding season.

Nimbostratus has won 3 of 10 starts, with the wins coming at five and six furlongs on turf in Ireland and California. Powell said Nimbostratus may stay at shorter distances this summer.

“The question is, does she want to run a mile?” Powell said. “We’ll have to face older. Her best distance may be six furlongs.”

Powell’s wife, Mathilde, owns Nimbostratus. Despite the massive investment, Powell said the filly’s bloodline justifies the risk.

“Sometimes it’s more of a gamble to buy a gelding for $50,000,” Powell said.