Sheza Smoke Show pushed all the way in Senorita Stakes win

ARCADIA, Calif. – Sheza Smoke Show was pressured to the wire to win the first stakes of her career in Saturday’s $101,250 Senorita Stakes at Santa Anita Park.

It was jockey Joe Talamo who was concerned about Sheza Smoke Show’s attitude in the final furlong of the Grade 3 Senorita over a mile on turf for 3-year-old fillies.

“I had to stay busy on her,” Talamo said. “She felt like she was waiting on horses.”

Taking the lead in the stretch, Sheza Smoke Show ($23.20) ran a mile on turf in 1:35.34, holding off 3-1 favorite Famous Alice to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Rovenna finished third in the field of 10, followed by Disregarded, Miss Machiavelli, Sushi Empire, Burning Arch, Lemon de Oro, and Rovenna.

Clenor, the 7-2 second choice, did not finish. She was pulled up about a furlong after the start by jockey Tyler Baze. Baze later told Steve Rothblum, an advisor to trainer Doug O’Neill, that Clenor “didn’t feel like she was striding out.”

“She’s fine, though,” Rothblum said.

Clenor was walked back to the stables.

Sheza Smoke Show was fifth for the first half-mile, chasing pacesetter Disregarded, who set an early pace of 23.53 seconds and 47.02. Sheza Smoke Show was second, a length behind Disregarded, with a furlong remaining.

“We had a perfect trip,” Talamo said. “I tried to save ground on both turns.”

Sheza Smoke Show, by Wilko, races for a partnership and trainer Peter Eurton. Talamo rode Sheza Smoke Show to wins in a maiden race on the hillside turf course Jan. 4 and in an allowance race over a mile on turf Jan. 31.

Jockey Luis Saez was aboard Sheza Smoke Show when she finished fifth of 13 in the China Doll Stakes over a mile on turf March 8, her last start before the Senorita.

Sheza Smoke Show has won 3 of 6 starts and $138,438.