Paulina's Love could target Buena Vista

ARCADIA, Calif. – Paulina’s Love will be considered for the $200,000 Buena Vista Stakes for fillies and mares at a mile on turf after winning an optional claimer in Wednesday’s seventh race.

Ridden by Gary Stevens, Paulina’s Love always was near the pace and drew off late to win by a convincing 3 1/2 lengths over the English import Nancy from Nairobi. The key to victory was a break of more than 10 weeks between starts, said David Meah, assistant to trainer Richard Baltas.

“I think the extra time between races really helps her,” said Meah.

Owned by Kenji Morinaga, Paulina’s Love had mixed results in stakes in late 2015. She was seventh in the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks in August but rebounded to finish second by a half-length in the Grade 3 Autumn Miss Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at a mile on turf Oct. 17. Paulina’s Love has won 3 of 12 starts and earned $184,990.

With the Buena Vista more than seven weeks away, there is no need to rush Paulina’s Love back into training.

“She’ll have an easy two weeks,” said Meah. “She’s a good, honest filly. She shows up every time.”