S Y Sky well prepared for Melair Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – S Y Sky lost her unbeaten record with a second-place finish at 4-5 in an optional claimer at Santa Anita on May 4.
The loss in the one-mile race was a disappointment, considering that S Y Sky was heavily bet after a flashy win in her debut in the $200,000 Evening Jewel Stakes for California-bred 3-year-old fillies at 6 1/2 furlongs on April 8.
But from trainer Phil D’Amato’s perspective, the defeat was not a major setback. S Y Sky had her first start around two turns in a prep for Monday’s $200,000 Melair Stakes for statebred 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles at Santa Anita.
“It was her first time long against open company, horses that were very well seasoned and had run in a bunch of stakes,” D’Amato said. “I was impressed given the scenario. They went out after her. She made the lead and dawdled a little bit.”
S Y Sky will be favored in the Melair against five rivals, several of whom appear to be overmatched. S Y Sky and Miss Sunset are the only stakes winners in the field. Radish is stakes-placed but still a maiden. Ocean Dream is winless in 10 starts. So Heres the Thing and Queen Bee to You have won maiden races.

Melair, Race 5

KEY CONTENDERS
S Y Sky, by Grazen
Last 2 Beyers: 83-82
◗ Owned by breeder Nick Alexander, S Y Sky led with a furlong remaining in the May 4 race and was beaten a length by Zapperkat, who was third in the Grade 1 Chandelier Stakes last October. The loss gave S Y Sky valuable experience for Monday’s race, D’Amato said.
“I know she can go the distance,” D’Amato said. “I think second time long, I expect her to continue to move forward.
◗ S Y Sky is likely to be near the pace, which should be set by the three-time stakes winner Miss Sunset.
“I think she can be stalking or come from farther behind,” D’Amato said. “She’s got speed to be right there with Miss Sunset.”
Miss Sunset, by Into Mischief
Last 3 Beyers: 73-71-76
◗ Miss Sunset won the Campanile Stakes at a mile on turf for California-bred 3-year-old fillies at Golden Gate Fields on April 30, finishing three-quarters of a length in front of Radish. Miss Sunset led throughout and faced a strong challenge on the turn and in early stretch.
“The rider was able to harness her speed, and she had something left,” trainer Jeff Bonde said. “Her works since then have been good. We’re optimistic.”
◗ At the same time, Bonde knows S Y Sky is the filly Miss Sunset must contain.
“She’s a big, good-looking filly and a formidable opponent,” he said. “We’re hoping to turn the tables.”
◗ Last year, Miss Sunset won the Generous Portion Stakes for California-bred 2-year-old fillies at six furlongs at Del Mar. Earlier this year, she won the Sweet Life Stakes against open company on the hillside turf course. The Melair Stakes will be Miss Sunset’s first start around two turns on dirt.