Santa Anita: Spellbound scores upset in La Canada Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – Beholder, the champion 3-year-old filly of 2013, has a capable understudy at trainer Richard Mandella’s stable in the form of Spellbound.

While Beholder is being prepared for a comeback in a few months, Spellbound kept the Mandella stable at the fore of the older female division at Santa Anita with a win in Sunday’s $200,500 La Canada Stakes for 4-year-old fillies at Santa Anita.

Spellbound ($35) rallied from last in a field of seven to win the Grade 2 La Canada over 1 1/16 miles by a neck over 14-1 Let Faith Arise.
Spellbound was timed in 1:43.14. The La Canada Stakes was her first stakes win in her eighth start.

“She’s been a talented filly that was a little behind early, not doing things right,” Mandella said. “Little by little, she’s come around.”

Spellbound was ridden by Victor Espinoza and was well behind the field for the first half-mile. Broken Sword, the 6-5 favorite and the winner of the Grade 2 Bayakoa Stakes at Hollywood Park on Dec. 7, set a quick pace of 22.86 and 45.47 seconds, leading by as many as two lengths on the backstretch.

Broken Sword was challenged by Ondine on the turn, with the pair five lengths clear of Let Faith Arise with three furlongs remaining. Spellbound did not seem as if she would be a factor in the outcome at that point. Spellbound trailed by as many as 16 lengths on the backstretch and was still last on the turn.

“I did like the fast pace,” Mandella said. “I was cussing, saying, ‘What are you doing so far back?’ Just kidding.”

Spellbound was fifth with a furlong remaining, trailing stretch leader Ondine by four lengths. With a wide rally, Spellbound took the lead in the final strides, catching an unlucky Let Faith Arise. Ondine finished third, followed by Fiftyshadesofhay, Broken Sword, Rathbaun, and Oscar Party.

Spellbound is a Bernardini filly owned by Ramona Bass, Claiborne Farm, and Adele Dilschneider. Purchased for $260,000 at the Keeneland September yearling sale, Spellbound has won 3 of 8 starts and $208,750.

The La Canada was her second start following a break of eighth months. Spellbound was sixth of nine behind Broken Sword in the Bayakoa Stakes on the synthetic track at Hollywood Park in her comeback.

“She doesn’t run good on the synthetic,” Mandella said. “I think she’s a dirt horse.”

Mandella said the absence of allowance races in December and January led to starts in the Bayakoa and La Canada Stakes.