Santa Anita: Sushi Empire breaks through in Blue Norther

ARCADIA, Calif. - Sushi Empire won the first stakes of 2014 in California in Wednesday’s $79,000 Blue Norther Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on turf. It was Sushi Empire’s first win and fifth start.

After the race, trainer Eoin Harty said Sushi Empire could switch surfaces this winter and start on dirt.

“I’ll ask the owner if he wants to contemplate the dirt,” Harty said.

Ridden by Corey Nakatani, Sushi Empire ($8.40) closed from third in the field of seven 3-year-old fillies to win the one-mile turf race by 1 1/4 lengths. Full Ransom, the 6-5 favorite, closed from fifth to finish second, a half-length in front of Rever de Vous.

Sushi Empire was the second choice in the betting. Famous Alice, trained by Tom Proctor, was the second choice on the morning line, but was withdrawn on the morning of the race.

“I felt good about my chances,” Harty said. “When Tom’s filly scratched, I felt great.”

Sushi Empire was timed in 1:36.22.

Sushi Empire, an Empire Maker filly, is owned by Chip McEwen’s Wounded Warrior Stables.

Purchased for $165,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October yearling sale, Sushi Empire was second to Full Ransom in her stakes debut, the Grade 3 Miesque Stakes at Hollywood Park on Nov. 30. She was beaten a nose in a maiden race on turf at Hollywood Park on Nov. 8.

Sushi Empire has earned $70,160.