Seduire proves to be uncatchable in Santa Ynez

ARCADIA, Calif. - A simple strategy from jockey Rafael Bejarano gave Seduire her third career stakes win in Saturday’s $201,000 Santa Ynez Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita.

Starting from the inside post in a field of nine, Seduire showed her customary speed, and led throughout the Grade 2 race over 6 1/2 furlongs. The rail was a favorable place to be on Saturday, and the shortest route around the track worked in favor of Seduire, who races for Regis Racing and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.

“I tried to put her in the race,” Bejarano said. “She broke sharp and I went from there.”

Seduire set early fractions of 21.76 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 44.25 for a half-mile, leading narrowly over Xoxo on the turn. Seduire pulled away in early stretch and won by 2 1/4 lengths over 17-1 Callback, who closed from fifth in a field of nine.

Xoxo finished third, followed by Lady Lake, Light the City, Hennythelovepenny, Morning Coffee, Rattataptap, and Conquest Harlanate.

Seduire was timed in 1:15.27.

“I wanted to get her to relax a bit,” Bejarano said. “We went fast in the beginning, but it felt relaxed.”

Seduire has won 4 of 7 starts and $262,200. Last year, she won the Wine Country Debutante at Santa Rosa in August and the Golden Gate Debutante on Nov. 29. The Grade 2 Santa Ynez was Seduire’s fourth stakes appearance in Southern California and first win. She was second in the Landaluce Stakes last June and the Anoakia Stakes in October.