Santa Anita: Mizdirection looks tough in Clocker's Corner Handicap

ARCADIA, Calif. – Mizdirection has a nearly perfect record in turf sprints, which will make her a short-priced favorite in Saturday’s $70,000 Clocker’s Corner Handicap at Santa Anita.

In four starts in such races, she has won three times and finished a troubled second in the other race.

“With any luck, she should be an unbeaten turf sprinter,” trainer Mike Puype said.

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Mizdirection is already a turf stakes winner at this meeting, in the Grade 3 Monrovia Stakes over about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course Jan. 2. Puype considers the Clocker’s Corner, also run on the hillside turf course, as a prep for the $100,000 Las Cienegas Handicap on the hillside April 14.

“The Las Cienegas is the main goal,” Puype said.

Owned by a partnership that includes sports commentator Jim Rome, Mizdirection has won 4 of 8 starts and $255,711. Her only loss in a turf sprint was a troubled second in the minor Manhattan Beach Stakes over six furlongs at Hollywood Park in June. Puype said Thursday that the 4-year-old filly has trained well in recent weeks for the Clocker’s Corner Handicap.

“There’s no reason she wouldn’t run well,” Puype said. “She has three wins and a short second, and she was blocked that day.”

Mizdirection is the 122-pound topweight in the Clocker’s Corner, which drew only five entrants. Givine, winner of the Great Lady M Stakes over six furlongs on turf at Hollywood Park last May, is a contender, but is winless in her last seven starts.