One Fast Broad tries to stay perfect on dirt in Soviet Problem

CYPRESS, Calif. – Winless on turf and unbeaten on dirt, One Fast Broad will be the favorite in Saturday’s $100,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for California-bred 2-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos.

The Soviet Problem Stakes is run at a mile on dirt. But One Fast Broad’s success on that surface is not a reflection of her long-term career path, according to owner and trainer Mick Ruis.

“I know she’s better on turf,” Ruis said on Wednesday. “It’s weird to say. She’s faced better company on turf.”

One Fast Broad’s losses on turf were in open stakes. Her races on dirt have been against California-breds, including a one-length win in the Golden State Juvenile Fillies at Del Mar on Nov. 3. That win and One Fast Broad’s recent training have given the ever-optimistic Ruis more confidence.

“I love my chances,” he said.

The Soviet Problem drew a field of 10, including the stakes winners Spiced Perfection and Ismelucky, who were second and fourth in the Golden State Juvenile Fillies.

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KEY CONTENDERS

One Fast Broad, by Decarchy

Last 3 Beyers: 65-71-58

◗ One Fast Broad has drawn the rail, which is unlikely to alter the tactics that jockey Corey Nakatani will employ. One Fast Broad runs from off the pace.

“Going a mile, it isn’t so bad there at Los Al,” Ruis said. “I think we can get out of there and be okay.”

◗ One Fast Broad, whom Ruis owns with his wife, Wendy, closed from last of nine in the Golden State Juvenile Fillies to win by a length. Ruis said she lost a shoe during the race.

◗ In two turf races at a mile, One Fast Broad was second by a half-length in the Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf and fourth in the Surfer Girl Stakes at Santa Anita.

“She’s glowing right now,” Ruis said. “I don’t think she’s been better.”

Spiced Perfection, by Smiling Tiger

Last 3 Beyers: 62-70-55

◗ Spiced Perfection won the Generous Portion Stakes at six furlongs at Del Mar on Aug. 30 by a convincing two lengths and was beaten a length by One Fast Broad in the Golden State Juvenile Fillies. Spiced Perfection led narrowly with a furlong remaining in the Golden State Juvenile Fillies. This will be the longest race of her career.

“It’s a question, there is no doubt,” trainer Brian Koriner said of the distance.

◗ Spiced Perfection tends to race from off the pace, and Koriner hopes that jockey Joe Talamo can position her in a stalking position.

Ismelucky, by Lucky Pulpit

Last 3 Beyers: 54-61-58

◗ Ismelucky won the Barretts Debutante at 6 1/2 furlongs at Los Alamitos in September in her stakes debut. In the Golden State Juvenile Fillies, Ismelucky set the pace and faded in the last furlong, losing by 5 1/4 lengths on a surface that trainer Jeff Bonde said she did not like.

“She had a tough time,” he said. “It was very deep, and she couldn’t get a hold of it.”

◗ Bonde also starts Twisted Rosie, who in her last two starts won a maiden claimer and a starter allowance with a $40,000 claiming option.