Santa Anita: Ciao Bella Luna back with Cal-breds in Irish O'Brien

Ciao Bella Luna is the rare Kentucky-bred eligible to race in stakes for California-breds.

The 4-year-old filly is by the California-based stallion Tribal Rule. A few years ago, conditions for California-breds were broadened to include California-bred and California-sired horses. The new restriction allowed Ciao Bella Luna to start in the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint here Jan. 25, a race she won.

On Saturday, Ciao Bella Luna is back with California-breds in the $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for fillies and mares on the hillside turf course. Ciao Bella Luna is the only filly or mare in the field of seven not bred in the state.

In the Sunshine Millions race, Ciao Bella Luna was always near the front and won by a half-length over Marks Mine. Trainer Peter Miller said Ciao Bella Luna is capable of repeating that performance.

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“She’s got a very good chance,” Miller said. “She’s doing well. She runs well fresh. Everything is in good shape.”

Owned by Rockingham Ranch, Ciao Bella Luna has won 4 of 12 starts and $262,110.The rest of the field includes Dancingtothestars, who won the Megahertz Stakes here in January but was seventh in the Grade 2 Buena Vista Handicap on Feb. 17, and Tribal Spy, who was third in the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint.