Stylish Wildcat never looks back

SAN MATEO, Calif. Stylish Wildcat broke on top, establishing an immediate lead, and pulled away in the lane to win the $52,300 Monterey Handicap on Saturday at Bay Meadows.

Stylish Wildcat ($5.20), who won a comeback race here March 25 following a five-month layoff, defeated defending champion Vaca City Flyer by four lengths in the five-furlong stakes for fillies and mares. Her winning time was 56.72. Calamity Girl, who tried to press the winner early, wound up third.

"I thought when Calamity Girl rolled up to press us she might go on, but I heard [jockey Roberto Gonzalez] start asking her, and I hadnt asked mine," winning jockey Russell Baze said. "When I asked, she really responded well.

"She can go that fast early [21.66], but she was still within herself."

Vaca City Flyer was squeezed between Calamity Girl and Crown of Pearls early.

Stylish Wildcat scored her fourth victory in six starts. She increased her career earnings to $116,600. John Sadler trains Stylish Wildcat, a $250,000 purchase at the 2005 Barretts sale. She is owned by CRK Stable.