St Trinians will make return in Santa Maria

Saturday’s Grade 2 Santa Maria Stakes for older fillies and mares marks the return of St Trinians, who has not raced since a gallant second-place finish behind Zenyatta in the Vanity Handicap last June at Hollywood Park.

“You can get her to run off of workouts,” trainer Mike Mitchell said. “She’s that kind of horse. She’s never raced on dirt, so you never know, but I think she’ll love it. This is an important race. We’re aiming for the Santa Margarita, and then we’d love to look at the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic, so these next two races are important.”

The Santa Maria field also is expected to include Miss Match, Vision in Gold, Washington Bridge, and Zardana.

Always a Princess and Blind Luck are expected to have a rematch in Sunday’s feature, the Grade 2 La Canada Stakes for 4-year-old fillies. They finished one-two in last month’s El Encino Stakes. Fashion Trend, Harmonious, and possibly Seeking the Title also are expected for the La Canada.

The fields for the Santa Maria and La Canada could be in flux until race day, since many of the La Canada runners also are nominated to the Santa Maria.

Comma to the Top will enter Lewis

Even though Comma to the Top is still most likely to run in the El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields, trainer Peter Miller said he also would enter the Robert Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita. Both races are Saturday.

Tapizar, winner of last month’s Sham Stakes, is expected to head the field in the Lewis. Others likely for the 1 1/16-mile race include Anthony’s Cross, Riveting Reason, Ten Devils, Thirtyfirststreet, and Wegner. Awesome Patriot and Classic Legacy are possible.