Santa Anita: World traveler Rhythm of Life takes Goldikova

ARCADIA, Calif. - Rhythm of Light won her third race in as many countries this year in Sunday’s $150,000 Goldikova Stakes at Santa Anita, the showcase race on the final day of the track’s autumn meeting.

Sent off favored, Rhythm of Light benefited from a perfect ride from jockey Garrett Gomez, closing from sixth in a field of seven with a wide move and winning the Grade 2 race over a mile on turf by 1 1/2 lengths.

Rhythm of Light ($6.80) was timed in 1:33.42.

The Goldikova was her final start for English trainer Tom Dascombe. A 4-year-old filly, Rhythm of Light is scheduled to stay in California with trainer Simon Callaghan.

“She’s a real tough horse that travels well,” Dascombe said. “The jockey gave her a perfect ride.

“We’ll miss her. She’s been our flagship horse this year. She’s won in three countries and you don’t get many like her. She’ll be hard to replace.”

Rhythm of Light caught A Jealous Woman in the final furlong before pulling clear in the last sixteenth. Vivo Per Lei finished third.

Owned by a partnership, Rhythm of Light won an allowance race at Haydock Park in England in July and the Grade 2 International Istanbul Trophy in Turkey on Sept. 1. In 2011, she won the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot.

In her career, she has won 6 of 17 starts and $403,659.

Callaghan said after the race that Rhythm of Light will be considered for the $250,000 Matriarch Stakes over a mile on turf for fillies and mares at Betfair Hollywood Park on Nov. 25.