Santa Anita: Rumor enters Breeders' Cup picture by taking L.A. Woman

ARCADIA, Calif.- Rumor is not the most durable filly, but she has proven to be a dangerous filly to dismiss.

Sunday, in the $98,000 L.A. Woman Stakes at Santa Anita, Rumor ended a three-race losing streak with a minor upset in the stakes for fillies and mares over 6 1/2 furlongs. The win left trainer Richard Mandella considering the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint here on Nov. 3 for Rumor, the winner of two stakes.

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The victory on Sunday came at the expense of Winding Way, the 1-5 favorite, who finished last of four in the first loss of her four-race career.

Rumor, ridden by Mike Smith, closed from third to win by a half-length over Great Hot. Lady of Fifty, who set the pace of 22.47 and 46.08 seconds, faded in the stretch to finish third, 1 1/2 lengths behind Rumor but 6 1/4 lengths in front of Winding Way.

The loss by Winding Way surprised jockey Rafael Bejarano, who rode the 3-year-old filly to two wins this summer.

“She didn’t show me the same kick as she did last time,” he said.

Rumor, a 4-year-old filly by Indian Charlie, was timed in 1:17.47 and paid $7.20 as the second choice.

Smith had Rumor in second on the turn and fought off a sustained threat from Great Hot through the stretch.

Owned by Adele Dilschneider, Ramona Bass and Claiborne Farm, Rumor has won 5 of 11 starts and $294,188. Mandella said a decision on the BC Filly and Mare Sprint will be made in coming weeks. Part of the decision will be based on how Rumor rebounds from the race, and whether she maintains her weight.

“She’s not a robust filly,” he said. “We’ll think about the Breeders’ Cup.”