Stalking style gives Window Shopping victory in Summertime Oaks

ARCADIA, Calif. - A succinct pre-race conversation gave jockey Hector Berrios sufficient direction to guide Window Shopping to her first career stakes win in Saturday’s Grade 2 Summertime Oaks at Santa Anita.

Berrios knew Window Shopping, having ridden the filly to a third-place finish in the Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks on April 8. Window Shopping closed from seventh of eight in that race to finish third by seven lengths to Faiza, a six-length winner.

For the $201,000 Summertime Oaks, trainer Richard Mandella proposed a change – a stalking style to keep Window Shopping closer to the front.

“She was fresh all week,” Mandella said. “I told him, ‘It won’t take much to get her into the race.’”

Berrios had Window Shopping in fifth on the backstretch, racing a few lengths behind the pace and between fillies. Window Shopping remained in that position until early stretch, where she rallied between Ancient Peace and Doinitthehardway to take the lead in the final furlong.

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“He waited for a hole to open up and it worked,” Mandella said.

Window Shopping ($9) closed more than two lengths in the final quarter-mile to reach the front. She pulled away to win by 1 3/4 lengths over 15-1 Ancient Peace, who finished a half-length in front of 15-1 Lily Poo.

Window Shopping ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.01 and earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 85.

“My intention was to keep her close to the group,” Berrios said. “I was able to get into a good position. As soon as we made the move around the far turn, she just switched on.”

Anywho, the 2-1 favorite, finished fourth after a wide trip. Doinitthehardway, The Alys Look and And Tell Me Nolies completed the order of finish.

The Alys Look led through an opening quarter-mile in 23.26 seconds, and disputed the pace with Ancient Peace after a half-mile in 46.78. The Alys Look faded from contention through the stretch.

The Alys Look finished third in the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on May 5. The $201,000 Summertime Oaks for 3-year-old fillies was her first start for trainer Chris Davis. Previously trained by Brad Cox, The Alys Look was transferred to his stable by owners Ike and Dawn Thrash earlier in May.

Window Shopping, by American Pharoah, was purchased for $700,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The win in the Summertime Oaks is worth $120,000 for owners Ramona and Perry Bass. Window Shopping has won 2 of 4 starts and earned $208,700.

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