Santa Anita: Sushi Empire rallies to win Blue Norther Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – Sushi Empire became the first stakes winner of 2014 in California in Wednesday’s Blue Norther Stakes at Santa Anita, a task made easier by the scratch of leading contender Famous Alice.

Ridden by Corey Nakatani, Sushi Empire ($8.40) closed from third in a 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.

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

Sushi Empire was timed in 1:36.22. On the backstretch, Nakatani had Sushi Empire about eight lengths behind pacesetter One More Wild Ride, who set fractions of 24.17 and 48.31 seconds for the first half-mile. Sushi Empire was third on the turn and took the lead before the eighth pole.

One More Wild Ride finished fourth, followed by Loan Savant, Saintly Joan, and Kris Furillo.

Sushi Empire is a filly by Empire Maker 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 in her career.