Repo takes CTBA, and Debutante's next

DEL MAR, Calif. - Repo has stormed through California's 2-year-old filly division this month, winning the Landaluce Stakes against open company at Hollywood Park on July 12 and the $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes against statebreds at Del Mar on Friday.

Her next target is likely to be the 2-year-old filly championship of the Del Mar meeting, the $300,000 Darley Debutante Stakes on Sept. 5. The Grade 1 Debutante has proven to be an effective prep to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Last year's Debutante winner, Stardom Bound, later won the BC Juvenile Fillies and was named division champion.

Repo has a lot to do to reach that level, but she easily dispatched of four rivals in the CTBA Stakes. Ridden by Corey Nakatani, Repo ($3.20) stalked pacesetter Unbridled Meeting to early stretch, took the lead with more than a furlong remaining and won by 1 1/2 lengths over the maiden La Nez. Unbridled Meeting finished third in a field of five.

Repo ran 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:04.57.

"Corey did a good job," trainer Doug O'Neill said. "She broke running and she settled behind [Unbridled Meeting]."

Repo, by In Excess, has won 3 of 4 starts and $166,170 for owner Paul Reddam. She beat maidens in her debut at Hollywood Park on May 10 and was second in the Cinderella Stakes at Hollywood Park on June 11.

"She's still got some learning to do, but she's a quality filly," O'Neill said. "We have to hope she keeps developing."