Three in row for Santa Teresita

Santa Teresita won her third consecutive race, and stakes debut, in the $78,650 Santa Lucia Handicap on a warm afternoon at Santa Anita on Saturday.

Jockey Joe Talamo rode Santa Teresita to a comfortable win in the restricted race over 1 1/16 miles on the main track. Santa Teresita was last of six fillies and mares to the end of the backstretch before rallying wide on the final turn and reaching the front in the final furlong. She was timed in 1:41.91, and finished two lengths in front of Model.

Talamo said Santa Teresita's wide trip did not hinder the filly's performance on a day when temperatures were in the low 90s.

Moujane, who set a modest pace of 23.01 and 46.82 seconds, held third.

Santa Teresita, 4, has won 3 of 6 starts for Equine Prep Management and trainer David Hofmans. By Lemon Drop Kid, Santa Teresita has earned $124,570.

Hofmans said last week that he intended to use the Santa Lucia as a prep to the $100,000 Hawthorne Handicap at Hollywood Park on May 4.