Rested American Gal heavy favorite in Anoakia Stakes
ARCADIA, Calif. – The speedy filly American Gal is unraced since a sharp maiden win in her debut at Del Mar on Aug. 14. Despite her absence, American Gal’s status has risen.
Partyinthepaddock and Fact of Life, who were second and third behind American Gal on Aug. 14, returned to win their most recent starts. American Gal can continue her success when she starts as a heavy favorite in Sunday’s $70,000 Anoakia Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita.
The Anoakia Stakes, at six furlongs, drew a disappointingly small field of five. American Gal will start from the outside post and will be ridden by Rafael Bejarano, who was aboard for the maiden-race win.
KEY CONTENDERS
American Gal, by Concord Point
Beyer: 82
◗ American Gal was considered for the $300,000 Del Mar Debutante on Sept. 3 until a few days before the race, when trainer Bob Baffert said she would be pointed for the Santa Anita autumn meeting.
“She got a little sick on me,” Baffert said. “She had a little temperature, but she’s all right now.”
◗ Owned by breeder Kaleem Shah, American Gal has worked steadily since late September, including a five-furlong workout in 59.60 seconds from the gate Oct. 15.
◗ Baffert said plans for American Gal are uncertain after the Anoakia but are unlikely to include a quick turnaround for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies here Nov. 5.
“I’ve got to run her first,” he said. “She’s really nice and out of a good mare.”
◗ American Gal is out of American Story, who was second in the Grade 2 Milady Handicap at Hollywood Park for Shah and Baffert in 2011.
Bernina Star, by Harlan’s Holiday
Last 2 Beyers: 73-69
◗ A maiden after two starts, Bernina Star was third, beaten a half-length, in a six-furlong maiden race Oct. 2. She drew the rail that day and led in the stretch before being caught.
“If she was outside instead of inside, I think we win it,” trainer Jim Cassidy said.
◗ In the Anoakia Stakes, Bernina Star drew the rail and is not likely to be sent to the lead, Cassidy said. Jamie Theriot retains the mount.
◗ Cassidy is hopeful that American Gal, maiden-race winner Velvet Jones, and Woot Woot, a winner of two consecutive starts since early September, will set a fast pace that aids Bernina Star. In her first race, Bernina Star closed from fifth in a field of nine to finish second behind Vai. The form of that race has held up well. Vai returned to win an optional claimer here Oct. 6.