Paquita Coqueta times it just right in Mizdirection

ARCADIA, Calif. – Paquita Coqueta led for the most important stride of Saturday’s $84,425 Mizdirection Stakes for fillies and mares on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita.

After leading narrowly with a furlong to go, Paquita Coqueta was passed by Coniah but fought back late to win the race at about 6 1/2 furlongs by a nose. The result was a surprise to trainer Richard Mandella.

“I thought I was second,” Mandella said. “She just got there in the right nod.”

The Mizdirection was the first U.S. stakes win for Paquita Coqueta, who was sent off at 9-1. The 6-year-old mare has excelled in turf sprints throughout her career and will stay in such races, Mandella said. The next goal for her is the Grade 2 Monrovia Stakes on the hillside turf course May 27, he said.

Bred in Chile, Paquita Coqueta has won 14 of 29 starts and earned $204,414. She won 12 of 23 starts in Chile, including a Group 2 sprint stakes against males in December 2015.