Nothing Like You returns to the winner's circle in Dark Mirage Stakes
?q=100)
CYPRESS, Calif.– Nothing Like You ended a five-race losing streak since the Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks in April 2024 with a win as the heavy favorite in Saturday’s $75,000 Dark Mirage Stakes for fillies and mares at Los Alamitos.
Ridden by Juan Hernandez for trainer Bob Baffert, Nothing Like You tracked pacesetter Getthemoney for the first five furlongs before taking the lead on the turn. Nothing Like You was clear through the stretch and won by 1 3/4 lengths.
“I was trying to be on the lead, but she broke a step slow and I had to put her in the race,” Hernandez said. “After that, she did it on her own.”
Nothing Like You ($2.40) led by 3 1/2 lengths with a furlong remaining. She ran a mile in 1:36.45 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 66.
Hernandez said Nothing Like You’s diminished advantage in the stretch was not a concern.
“She was looking around and I think she was waiting for company,” Hernandez said.
Double Cappuccino (27-1) closed from last of five to finish second, a half-length in front of 5-1 Sakura Blossom. Visually and Getthemoney completed the order of finish. Ooty was withdrawn by Baffert.
The purse was reduced from $100,000 by track management because the field did not have six starters.
Nothing Like You, a 4-year-old by Malibu Moon, races for the partnership of Georgia Antley Hunt, Jeff Giglio and John Rogitz. Nothing Like You has won 5 of 14 starts and earned $567,160.
In addition to a win in the Santa Anita Oaks, Nothing Like You was a two-time stakes winner as a 2-year-old in 2023, winning the Desi Arnaz Stakes at seven furlongs at Del Mar and the Grade 2 Starlet Stakes at 1 1/16 miles at Los Alamitos in consecutive starts that fall.
Nothing Like You had two starts this year before Saturday, both at the Del Mar summer meeting – a fifth-place finish in the Grade 1 Clement Hirsch Stakes on Aug. 2 and a third in the restricted Tranquility Lake Stakes on Sept. 1. She was beaten by stablemates Seismic Beauty and Splendora in those races.
:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.