Stakes decision coming for Dancinthenightaway

ARCADIA, Calif. – Dancinthenightaway will run in a stakes next month after extending her unbeaten streak to three races in an optional claimer over seven furlongs last Saturday at Santa Anita. Now owners Al and Sandee Kirkwood and trainer Mark Glatt have to pick a race.

Glatt said on Tuesday that options include the $200,000 La Canada Stakes for 4-year-old fillies over 1 1/16 miles on Jan. 17, the $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes for older fillies and mares over seven furlongs on Jan. 19, or the $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint for California-bred fillies and mares on the hillside course on Jan. 24.

Glatt said the La Canada and the Santa Monica are more likely options.

“I’m inclined to think we’ll keep her on the dirt, but anything is possible, especially if the weather comes into play if it’s raining,” he said.

On Saturday, Dancinthenightaway led throughout an optional claimer, drawing off to win by 2 1/4 lengths in 1:22.29 over Sayes So, trained by Richard Mandella.

“I think she ran to expectations,” Glatt said. “She was urged a little through the lane. I think the Mandella filly that was second will be a nice filly as well. She took two or three different strong runs on my filly. What I liked to see is she was very relaxed on the front end.”