Stakes next on docket for Kenjisstorm, True Royalty

ARCADIA, Calif. – Kenjisstorm and True Royalty are scheduled to start next in stakes here after each won an optional claimer Thursday at Santa Anita.

Kenjisstorm won his first start since July in a race at a mile. Ridden by Flavien Prat, Kenjisstorm stalked the early pace before prevailing by 2 1/4 lengths over graded stakes winner Free Rose. The first two finishers are candidates for the Grade 3 American Stakes at a mile on turf April 21.

“I think we’ll point for the American,” trainer Phil D’Amato said of Kenjisstorm. “The timing looks about right. Flavien eased him at the end. I think he left a little for the next race.”

Kenjisstorm underwent an operation to aid his breathing last fall. Owned by a partnership that includes Head of Plains partners and KM Racing, Kenjisstorm was fourth in the Grade 2 Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar last July.

True Royalty won her 2018 debut in an optional claimer for 3-year-old fillies at 6 1/2 furlongs. She is expected to have her stakes debut in the $75,000 Angels Flight Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at seven furlongs May 12.

Trained by John Sadler for the Batchelor Family Trust, True Royalty disputed the pace throughout and finished a neck in front of stablemate Highland Lass.

“Both can run,” Sadler said.

True Royalty, by Yes It’s True, has won 2 of 3 starts. Thursday’s race was her first start since a win in a maiden race at Del Mar last August. In the long term, Sadler considers True Royalty to be a prospect for two-turn races.

“She’s not bred to go two turns, but I think she will,” Sadler said.