Rattataptap not Bonde's usual type of runner

ARCADIA, Calif. – Rattataptap is a rarity in trainer Jeff Bonde’s stable – a filly that races from off the pace.

Bonde has become well known in recent years for his speedy sprinters, notably graded stakes winners Distinctiv Passion, She’s a Tiger, and Smiling Tiger. Rattataptap won her debut at Del Mar on Nov. 29 by closing from fifth in a field of 12 to win by a nose.

She makes her stakes debut in Saturday’s $200,000 Santa Ynez Stakes for 3-year-old fillies over 6 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita.

“The filly is a patient horse,” Bonde said on Tuesday. “Every horse has their own traits.”

Not all of Bonde’s runners are pacesetters. He won the Grade 1 American Oaks over 1 1/4 miles on turf with Cambina, a closer.

Rattataptap could be in Grade 1 races later this winter and in the spring with a win on Saturday.

Owned by Mark DeDomenico, Jerry Durant, and Michael House, Rattataptap was purchased for $250,000 at the 2013 Keeneland September yearling sale. She is by Tapit out of Sindy With an S, the winner of the Grade 3 Safely Kept Breeders’ Cup Stakes at Laurel in 2007.

Bonde expected a big performance from Rattataptap in her debut.

“There was word that there were good horses in there,” he said. “We felt good about the filly, and she rewarded us.”

Edwin Maldonado was aboard Rattataptap for the maiden race win and has the mount on Saturday. On Tuesday, Rattataptap worked three furlongs in 38.60 seconds at Santa Anita.

“She blew out well,” Bonde said. “We’re hoping to get a lucky trip.”

The Santa Ynez Stakes candidates include stakes winners Conquest Harlanate, Light the City, and Seduire.