Santa Anita: European import Judy In Disguise scores in Sweet Life

ARCADIA, Calif. - Judy In Disguise is unbeaten in two starts in the United States after a gritty win in Saturday’s $81,850 Sweet Life Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on turf at Santa Anita.

Ridden by leading rider Rafael Bejarano, Judy In Disguise disputed the pace throughout the stakes over about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course. She lost the lead in the stretch and fought back to win by a half-length over Doinghardtimeagain.

Heir Kitty closed well to finish third in the field of nine. Jubliant Girl, the even-money favorite, was well-placed when the field crossed onto the main turf course, but could not sustain the threat, fading to fifth.

Judy In Disguise ($12) was timed in 1:12.25. She fought through a pace of 21.28 and 43.58 seconds through the first half-mile and trailed Doinghardtimeagain by a half-length with a furlong remaining.

Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and trained by Simon Callaghan, Judy In Disguise was bred in Britain and began her career there, winning twice in four starts. She was 10th in the Group 3 Albany Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Royal Ascot last June in her final start of 2012.

In her U.S. debut, Judy In Disguise won an optional claimer at Golden Gate Fields by seven lengths on Feb. 2. A filly by Elusive City, Judy In Disguise was entered for a $50,000 claiming price that day.