Sweet Catomine wins Oak Leaf

ARCADIA, Calif. - Sweet Catomine's win in the Del Mar Debutante in August turned out to be far from a fluke.

In Saturday's $200,000 at Santa Anita, Sweet Catomine launched a remarkable rally in the final half-mile to win her second consecutive stakes by four lengths. Sweet Catomine will make her next start in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Lone Star Park on Oct. 30, owner Marty Wygod said.

Ridden by Corey Nakatani for trainer Julio Canani, Sweet Catomine ran 1 1-16 miles in 1:42.98, easily beating Richly Blended, the 7-5 favorite. Richly Blended drifted out on the first turn and was rank under jockey Kent Desormeaux until the field reached the backstretch.

Sweet Catomine ($6) was seventh in a field of nine on the first turn, but quickly made up ground at the end of the backstretch. With a wide rally and quick burst of speed, she reached the front in early stretch.

Richly Blended, who challenged for the lead on the final turn, finished 2 1-2 lengths in front of Memorette. Culture Clash, who was stuck in traffic on the final turn, finished fourth.

Sweet Catomine has won 2 of 3 starts and $279,800. The Del Mar Debutante on Aug. 28 was her first win, preceded by a second in a maiden race on July 31.