Trip Notes for April 6-7, 2019: Santa Anita Derby, Blue Grass, Wood Memorial, and more

April 6

Aqueduct
Bay Shore (race 6)

COMMENT: Mind Control has apparently been turned from the Triple Crown trail to the sprint/mile game and that decision reaped immediate rewards as the son of Stay Thirsty gamely captured this sprint. He showed the speed to stalk in third in the small field as favorite Much Better set a strong pace, moved closer on the far turn outside the leader, came with his run in the lane, put his head in front by midstretch, got pushed wider out as Much Better shifted into him but kept on smartly to edge clear for the win. A race like the Grade 1 Woody Stephens on the Belmont Stakes undercard June 8 figures his short-term target with the Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens at Saratoga in August his long-term goal. Much Better, fourth in the Grade 3 Gotham at a mile after setting a strong pace, again went right to the lead from his rail slot, set brisk splits under some pressure first from Mucho and then Mind Control, battled back gamely in the lane when challenged by Mind Control, shifted out some in midstretch forcing Mind Control out a couple lanes and then couldn’t keep pace with that rival thereafter while well clear of the rest. The Woody Stephens may be on his radar as well. Call Paul, smart winner of the Grade 3 Swale at Gulfstream Feb. 2, set last early in the small field but wasn’t far off the pace, tried to make a run on the turn but was no match for the top two. Mucho, sharp comeback winner at Gulfstream March 1, broke a bit awkwardly, still had the speed to press the early pace, took back some going to the far turn, moved to the inside on the turn as if poised to make a run but the run never came.

Aqueduct
Excelsior (race 7)

COMMENT: Life’s a Parlay, a $725,000 son of juvenile male champ Uncle Mo, stepped into graded stakes for the first time after winning three of his last four and proved up to the task. From his outside post he broke well to stalk in third as Hit It Once More set a modest pace, remained in stalking mode while toward the outside, came with a nice run into the lane to grab the lead and then gamely kept to his task to keep Monongahela and Tour de Force at bay in the final half-furlong. The Grade 3 Pimlico Special at Pimlico on Preakness day May 17 might be next. Monongahela sat just behind the eventual winner from the start while to his inside, was asked for run into the lane, doggedly kept after the winner but just couldn’t quite get to him. Tour de Force was second behind early pacesetter Hit It Once More, took the lead from that foe turning for home, was immediately confronted by the winner, couldn’t accelerate with that rival into the lane but kept to his task gamely. Nicodemus was a bit slow into stride, lagged back just a bit behind the eventual one-two finishers, was asked for run when those two made their move into the lane but was unable to be a factor.

Aqueduct
Gazelle (race 8)

COMMENT: Always Shopping, smart winner of the Busanda here Feb. 3, broke well and took position just behind pacesetter Positive Spirit, dogged that rival to her outside to the top of the lane, engaged Positive Spirit into the stretch, got the better of her and edged away in the final half-furlong. Owner Mike Repole said she would likely skip the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill May 3 and instead point for the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico on Preakness day May 17, with her long-term goal being the Grade 1 Alabama at Saratoga in August. Positive Spirit, freshened since a dull eighth in the Grade 2 Rachel Alexandra at the Fair Grounds Feb. 16, broke alertly, showed much more speed than at the Fair Grounds to go right to the lead, set a slow pace with the eventual winner to her outside, was asked for run turning for home, battled back when confronted by the eventual winner into the lane, was still right there by midstretch but couldn’t keep pace with that rival thereafter. Trainer Rodolphe Brisset she might also skip the Kentucky Oaks and likewise have the Alabama as her long-term goal. Off Topic stalked while saving ground, remained just behind the top two to the head of the stretch and chased them home without really being a threat. Espresso Shot, the favorite off a game tally in the Busher here March 9, lagged back from the start and never mustered a run.

Aqueduct
Carter (race 9)

COMMENT: Coming off a couple laughingly easy stakes wins in slop, World of Trouble had to work a little harder here but proved up to the task, notching his first Grade 1 win. From his outside post he didn’t show his sizzling speed, instead remained toward the outside just behind early pacesetters Skyler’s Scramjet and Honor Up to volleyed up front through slow splits, remained toward the outside as he came abreast of those two turning for home, challenged for the lead into the lane while widest of the three, got the better of them and stayed on gamely for the win. Not sure this means he wants the distance of the longer Grade 1 Met Mile but he’s top-class at up to 7 furlongs for certain. The fact he also handles turf gives him options. In fact, the following day trainer Jason Servis said the Grade 1 Jaipur at 6 furlongs on turf on the Belmont Stakes undercard June 8 would be his next target. Servis added that after that he could return to dirt for the Grade 1 Vanderbilt at 6 furlongs at Saratoga July 27. Skyler’s Scramjet went right to the lead, was joined by Honor Up, volleyed up front with that foe through modest splits, battled back gamely when hooked by the eventual winner into the lane and doggedly kept after him to the line. Honor Up showed good speed, dueled with Skyler’s Scramjet from the start, was still in the thick of it into the lane but then couldn’t keep pace with the top two in the final furlong. Vino Rosso, winner of the Stymie here March 9, his first start in over six months, stalked that slow pace while inside, moved closer on the far turn while moving a couple lanes off the rail, was just behind the three leaders on the run, gamely kept after them but couldn’t quite get to them. Identity Politics bobbled at the start, lagged back early, as expected, was asked for run on the far turn but the run never came.

Aqueduct
Wood Memorial (race 10)

COMMENT: Tacitus rallied strongly between horses to win the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby March 9. He validated that run here and punched his ticket to Louisville for the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby May 4 with another smart finish. The regally bred colt (by all-world sire Tapit out of champion mare Close Hatches) got bumped soundly at the start when the field came over onto him when Joevia, from post 11, veered in at the start forcing the crowding. Tacitus recovered, came out a bit in front of Overdeliver into the first run and had his heels clipped by that foe, finally settled a few lengths off pacesetter Joevia, remained in stalking mode to the far turn, came with a nice run into the lane, battled with Tax to inside the eighth pole before edging clear. Tax, game winner of the Grade 3 Withers here Feb. 2, who managed to avoid all the trouble at the start, settled nicely in third, a couple lengths ahead of the eventual winner, came with his run along the inside in the lane, battled back when confronted by Tacitus in midstretch but couldn’t quite stay with that rival while finishing well clear of the rest. The Derby could be on his radar as well. Not bad for a horse claimed for $50,000 last Oct. 21. Plans are for him to go to the Derby as well. Haikal, rallying winner of his last three including the Grade 3 Gotham here March 9, sat back, bided his time, came with a nice run in the lane to pass a few but was never really a danger to the winner. A start in the Kentucky Derby remains the plan. Joevia veered in sharply at the start, crowding the field and causing interference, went to the lead, set the pace while dueling with Not That Brady as those two moved out to a clear lead, dispatched with Not That Brady on the turn, opened up some into the lane but gave way once headed. After an inquiry he was disqualified from seventh and placed last. Hoffa’s Union, dazzling 15 1/2-length winner of his debut at Laurel Feb. 28, managed to avoid much of the trouble at the start, settled midpack, came out on the far turn but never mustered a run. You can’t blame them for taking this swing though it may have been a bit too much too soon. Outshine, second to Tacitus in the Tampa Bay Derby, went off stride when Tacitus came over in front of him, got back into stride settled midpack but then came up empty. The stewards took no action on the bumping suffered by Outshine at the hands of the eventual winner.

Keeneland
Commonwealth (race 6)

COMMENT: Bobby’s Wicked One was well regarded enough by his connections to ship across the country to Santa Anita for the Grade 1 Malibu and wasn’t disgraced, finishing fifth. He returned to the Fair Grounds and showed the source of that optimism as he romped in two straight allowance events. Back to graded stakes here he notched his first graded stakes win at a hefty 13-1. While there was a ton of speed signed up here this son of Speightstown proved quickest as he went right the lead, set a strong pace under pressure from Richiesinthehouse and Recruiting Ready, got to the rail, maintained his narrow lead into the lane when confronted by Warrior’s Club but kept to his task smartly to edge away in the final furlong. Off this a shot at the Grade 1 Churchill Downs at this same distance on Kentucky Derby day May 4 could be next. Warrior’s Club, the defending champ coming off a game second in an allowance comeback at Oaklawn March 3, his first start in four months, showed a bit more speed than expected as he stalked the early pace, crept closer going to the far turn, loomed a big threat into the lane, couldn’t quite stay with the winner but kept to his task well to hold second. Limousine Liberal, second in this last year and making his first start since running fifth in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint, lagged back, found himself boxed in while going down the backstretch, came off the inside for clear sailing and finished well but wasn’t quite good enough. The second and third finishers might both also target the Churchill Downs. Uncontested, the tepid 7-2 favorite off two smashing wins at Laurel including the Grade 3 Gen. George, was outrun early despite being asked for speed, remained inside and never mustered a run.

Keeneland
Shakertown (race 7)

COMMENT: Imprimis has shown himself capable of being freaky big when in the mood, as evidenced by his smashing stakes win and big Beyer (109) earned last time out at Gulfstream March 9. He backed up that run with another big effort to gamely outduel some tough rivals. He stumbled at the start to be further back than usual but bided his time there as defending champ Bound for Nowhere set a hot pace, pitched wide on the turn and into the lane and powered home to nail ‘Nowhere in the final strides. This may have earned him a shot at the Group 1 King’s Stand at Royal Ascot in June. Trainer Joe Orseno said his ultimate goal is the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita in the fall. Bound for Nowhere, smashing winner of this last year and cutting back to a sprint after fading to 11th in the Grade 1 Shadwell Turf Mile here last Oct. 6 last time out, went right to the lead, set a strong pace under some pressure by longshot Bay Muzik, dispatched with that rival into the lane, opened up some as if primed to go on to victory only to get nailed late by the winner while finishing well clear of the others. Off this another shot at the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee at Ascot in June could be in the works. He was a superb third in that race last year. Angaston, making his first start since rallying for fourth in the Grade 2 Woodford on this course at this trip last Oct. 6, sat midpack from the start, came with a run in the lane to loom a threat, couldn’t sustain his bid but gamely held third. Disco Partner, among the turf sprint elite the past few seasons, was slow into stride, made a threatening run into the lane but then came up empty. Conquest Tsunami chased the strong pace but gave way turning for home.

Keeneland
Madison (race 8)

COMMENT: Spiced Perfection, a private purchase this winter, just failed to get to Late Night Pow Wow when second a head behind that foe in the Grade 3 Barbara Fritchie at Laurel Feb. 16. She got her revenge here as the daughter of multiple Grade 1 sprint winner Smiling Tiger dogged pacesetter Amy’s Challenge from the start just to her outside, pushed that gal through solid splits, engaged her into the lane, put her head in front inside the eighth pole and then battled hard to keep her stubborn rival at bay. The Grade 1 Humana Distaff on the Kentucky Derby undercard at Churchill May 4 figures next. Amy’s Challenge, coming off two smashing stakes wins at Oaklawn this winter, validated that form with another fine effort here as she went right to the lead, set a solid pace under pressure from the eventual winner, fought back bravely when challenged by that foe to her outside and battled gamely to the wire to just miss. The Humana Distaff would seem logical for her as well. Late Night Pow Wow, winner of 11 of 12 starts including the aforementioned Barbara Fritchie, stalked the top two from the start, was just behind those two on the far turn but proved no match for that pair while staying on for third. Shamrock Rose, the reigning distaff sprint champ and coming off a fine third going longer in the Grade 2 Azeri at Oaklawn March 16, behind such beasts as Midnight Bisou and Elate, lagged well back, as is her want sprinting, was pushed very wide on the far turn, wider still into the lane, made some headway but was never a factor. Cathedral Reader stalked in fourth, was still there between horses turning for home but broke down, suffering a catastrophic injury. She was vanned off but sadly had to be euthanized.

Keeneland
Ashland (race 9)

COMMENT: Race complexion changed some when unbeaten Feedback, one of the favorites, scratched to instead go in Sunday’s Grade 3 Beaumont here. Out for a Spin, stepping way up in class off a smart optional claiming win in mud at the Fair Grounds March 16, proved up to the task as she gamey posted a huge upset and may have earned a trip to the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks May 3. The daughter of Hard Spun pressed favorite Jaywalk from the start as that filly set a solid pace, kept after her to the far turn, engaged her turning for home, got the better of her into the lane and battled on gamely to repel a bid from Restless Rider to her outside. Restless Rider, making her first start since a tough-loss second (by a nose) in the Grade 2 Golden Rod at Churchill Downs Nov. 24, bided her time early, came with a strong, threatening run turning for home, looked as though she might blow on by eventual winner in midstretch but seemed to hang a bit. Again, not only was this her first start in a while she used up plenty of fuel with that threatening run. While she got beat this was still a useful comeback run and sets her up for a swing at the Kentucky Oaks. Jaywalk, the reigning 3-year-old filly champ but a dull fourth in her first start of this year in the Grade 2 Davona Dale at Gulfstream March 2, went right to the lead, set a solid pace under pressure from the eventual winner, battled back when hooked into the lane but then couldn’t keep up with the top two in the final furlong. This was a better performance to be sure but she still didn’t look like the gal who was so dominant last year. Chocolate Kisses, winner of the Grade 3 Honeybee at Oaklawn March 9, lagged back while saving ground but never mustered a run.

Keeneland
Blue Grass (race 10)

COMMENT: Vekoma was making just his fourth career start but the son of Candy Ride took the necessary step forward and looks like a legitimate contender for the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby at Churchill May 4 with this win. Coming off a good third in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park March 2, his first start in four months, he didn’t just win, he dominated. He showed the speed to sit second as Somelikeithotbrown went right to the lead from his rail slot, dogged that rival while just to his outside, engaged him on the far turn in earnest, put him away, quickly opened up and didn’t really have a nervous moment in the lane. Win Win Win, a nice rallying third in the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby May 9, a run which looks even better now as the winner of that race, Tacitus, came back to win the Grade 2 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct earlier this day, got bumped at the start to get away poorly, sat far back off the modest pace, started his run on the far turn and finished with good energy, though he was never a danger to the winner. Signalman, a disappointing seventh in the Fountain of Youth, bounced back some as he showed more speed than usual to stalk the pace while saving ground, came off the inside to make a run on the far turn, looming a threat, but was then no match for that foe into the lane, moved down to the rail and then finished evenly, losing second in the final strides. Both he and the runner-up will reportedly go to the Derby. Somelikeithotbrown, dazzling winner of his last two on Turfway Park’s synthetic track, went right to the lead from his rail slot, as expected, but was immediately pressured by Vekoma, set a modest pace with that rival at his throatlatch to the far turn, battled back when hooked into the lane, proved no match for that foe but kept to his task gamely. This wasn’t a bad run on dirt and the result may have had more to do with the level of competition than the footing. The Kentucky Derby remains a possibility, however.

Santa Anita
Santa Anita Oaks (race 3)

COMMENT: Bellafina continued her domination of the West Coast 3-year-old filly ranks as after a romping win in the Grade 2 Santa Ynez here Jan. 6 and game win in the Grade 2 Las Virgenes here Feb. 9 the $800,000 daughter of Quality Road had little trouble with these. She showed the speed to dog early pacesetter Chasing Yesterday from the start while toward the outside, was content to remain there as Flor de La Mar made an early move to the lead along the inside on the far turn, was then asked for run, quickly took command and asserted her superiority in the lane, drawing off to win while in hand. With losses by Jaywalk and Restless Rider, Feedback pointing for shorter races and Serengeti Princess and Enaya Alrabb sidelined she has to be considered the heavy favorite for the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill May 3. Flor de La Mar, a $500,000 daughter of Tiznow who ran fifth in slop she seemed to hate here March 2, pressed the early issue from her inside post, made a quick run to grab the lead on the far turn, proved no match for the winner when that gal surged past into the lane but kept on well to finish well clear of the other two. Chasing Yesterday, winner of her last four including the Sunland Park Oaks Mach 24 and sister to Horse of the Year and Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, went right to the lead, took pressure from the eventual winner to her outside and stablemate Flor de La Mar to her inside, relinquished the lead to Flor de La Mar on the turn and couldn’t keep up thereafter.

Santa Anita
Royal Heroine (race 5)

COMMENT: Vasilika continued her amazing run and thorough domination of the West Coast middle-distance turf distaff ranks as she won for the 11th time in her last 12 starts. She stalked in third as longshot Smoovie set the early pace, remained there as another longshot, Cordiality dueled with Smoovie, was still third as Cordiality put her head in front on the far turn, had no troubled blowing past those rivals to their outside, opened up into the lane and didn’t have a nervous moment thereafter. She could ship or await the Grade 1 Gamely here May 27. Meal Ticket stalked in fourth, tried to make a wide run at the winner on the turn and into the lane, proved no match for the winner but ran on well to be a clear second. Space Talk lagged back from the start, was still toward the back on the far turn but found her top gear in the lane and finished well, though she was no danger to the top two. Raven’s Lady, making her first start in the U.S. being a Group 2 and Grade 3 winner in Europe, sat back just behind Meal Ticket but never really mustered a run. This was not only her first start in the U.S. it was her first in six months so she may have needed this. Ms Bad Behavior, the 3-1 second choice, was rank early, bored out badly on the first turn and was pulled up.

Santa Anita
Santa Anita Derby (race 8)

COMMENT: After a good third to stablemate and eventual juvenile male champ Game Winner in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity last Sept. 3, Roadster underwent throat surgery to correct a breathing problem. He then had to deal with quarter cracks this winter but he came back to easily win a mile optional claimer here March 1 and punched his ticket to Louisville for the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby with a smart win here. The $525,000 son of Quality Road bided his time early as Instagrand set a modest pace under pressure from Nolo Contesto, remained in fifth to the far turn, came out into the lane to be widest of the contenders and finished resolutely to edge past his stablemate Game Winner in the final half-furlong. This was trainer Bob Baffert’s ninth win in this race. Game Winner, a sharp second in a division of the Grade 2 Rebel at Oaklawn March 16, sat fourth from the start while wide, just in front of his winning stablemate, moved a bit earlier than Roadster to come up abreast of the two leaders on the turn while still wide, had to battle to get past a stubborn Instagrand and as soon after he put his head in front had his stablemate move past to his right. He goes to Churchill as one of the favorites – though two losses mean he doesn’t go in as an overwhelming choice. Instagrand, a $1.2 million son of Into Mischief stretching out after a third in the Grade 3 Gotham going a mile at Aqueduct March 9, went right to the lead, set a modest pace under pressure from Nolo Contesto, battled back gamely when hooked by the top two to his outside into the lane but couldn’t quite keep up in the final half-furlong. He ran well but may not want more than a mile, at least at this point. Nolo Contesto, second to Roadster in that aforementioned March 1 race here, dogged pacesetter Instagrand from the start, was still right there turning for home but gave way once the top two surged past. This may have burst the Derby bubble for this $385,000 son of Pioneerof the Nile.

Santa Anita
Providencia (race 9)

COMMENT: This capped off a big day for trainer Simon Callaghan as he saddled Bellafina earlier in the day to win the Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks and then nailed the longshot exacta here with English raider Hostess and maiden winner Maxim Rate. Hostess, last seen easily winning on synthetic footing in England last Oct. 13, lagged well back early as longshot Killarney Lass shot out to a clear early lead setting a solid pace, remained toward the back to the far turn, came with a smart run between horses in the lane and just got up to win a three-horse photo. Maxim Rate, a $235,000 daughter of Exchange Rate, rallied smartly to win her debut on this course Feb. 16 and validated that run here as she sat midpack from the start, bided her time there to the top of the lane, made her run in the lane while drifting in some to grab the lead inside the sixteenth pole only to get nipped by her stablemate to her inside. Lady Prancealot, favored off a rallying optional claiming win here Feb. 1, was well back from the start, remained there to the far turn, came out into the lane, pitched wider still for clear sailing and blasted home to miss by two noses. Truffalino, a rallying second to Lady Prancealot in that Feb. 1 race here, was last early after a slow start, still well back turning for home, shifted out for room in the lane but could make only modest headway while unable to threaten. A number of these figure to target the shorter Grade 3 Senorita at a mile here May 4 or the Grade 3 Honeymoon at this same 1 1/8-mile distance here June 1.

Santa Anita
Santa Anita Handicap (race 10)

COMMENT: Trainer John Sadler toyed with the idea of sending Gift Box to Dubai for last month’s Grade 1 Dubai World Cup but opted to stay home and the decision paid off as the son of Twirling Candy won a thrilling renewal. The 6-year-old, winner of the Grade 2 San Antonio here Dec. 26, pressed pacesetter Prime Attraction from the start through modest splits, took over from that rival turning for home, was quickly confronted by heavy favorite McKinzie to his outside into the lane, looked in trouble as McKinzie looked ready to roll past but battled on gamely to narrowly prevail. Sadler won this last year with eventual older male champion Accelerate. McKinzie, the heavy favorite off a sharp second to the ill-fated Battle of Midway in the Grade 2 San Pasqual here Feb. 2, was also considered for the Dubai World Cup but trainer Bob Baffert said he didn’t want to put the horse through what can be a grueling trip so he, too, opted to stay home. The son of juvenile male champ and Grade 1 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense stalked the pace in third, not far behind the eventual winner, came with a strong run into the lane, looked poised to roll past then-leader Gift Box but found that foe too stubborn to his inside and came up just a lip short while finishing far clear of the rest. These two figure to renew acquaintances in the Grade 1 Gold Cup at Santa Anita May 27 at this same 1 1/4-mile trip. Mongolian Groom, rallying winner of an optional claimer here Feb. 1 and trying stakes ranks for the first time, sat fourth just behind the eventual runner-up tried to go with that foe into the lane, was briefly in the hunt but was no factor in the final furlong while staying on well for third. Campaign, a $675,000 son of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin who like the winner is trained by Sadler and coming off a rallying 20-1 upset over optional claimers here Feb. 3, was away slowly to be last early, was still last turning for home and was able to pass a couple rivals while no factor.

April 7

Keeneland
Beaumont (race 7)

COMMENT: Steady showers had the track listed as sloppy (sealed). The track condition resulted in a number of scratches, taking the field down to five. Fancy Dress Party, a $280,000 daughter of Munnings easily won her first three starts, including romping in the slop in her debut here Oct. 26 and romping in the slop at Churchill in start number two, so the track condition suited. She went right to the lead, set a modest pace under some pressure from Mother Mother, held a narrow lead into the lane, looked in trouble when favored Feedback loomed on her outside and Mother Mother came at her to her inside but showed a ton of heart to gamely fend off those two. A race like the Grade 2 Eight Belles at 7 furlongs at Churchill on Kentucky Oaks day May 3 may be next, though her trainer wasn’t sure he wanted to come back that quickly as she obviously ran hard all the way around in this spot. Mother Mother, twice Grade 1 placed out West and coming off a fourth to top-class Bellafina in the mile Grade 2 Las Virgenes at Santa Anita Feb. 9, was freshened a bit since and shortened up some here and it nearly paid off as she stalked the eventual winner from the start while saving ground, crept closer on the turn, moved to the rail into the lane to make her bid, doggedly kept after the winner but just couldn’t get past. The Eight Belles may be on her radar as well. Feedback, the heavy favorite after smartly winning her first two starts including taking the Grade 3 Forward Gal at Gulfstream Feb. 2 and who scratched from Saturday’s Grade 1 Ashland here to go in this instead, broke well from her outside post, seemed quite comfortable sitting last while widest of the group but not far at all off the lead, moved up easily while remaining wide to loom a threat going to the far turn, looked very dangerous outside the top two on the turn and into the lane as if ready to go on by but flattened out a bit in the final furlong. The way the track favored speed didn’t help her as this winner and every prior winner on the card save one was right on or near the pace. You’d have to think the Eight Belles may be next for her as well and should all be well big one-turn 3-year-old filly races like the Grade 1 Acorn, Grade 1 Test and others are on her docket.

Keeneland
Appalachian (race 8)

COMMENT: Steady showers had the turf course listed as soft. After nearly winning a Group 1 in England last summer, The Mackem Bullet came to the U.S., ran sixth in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Churchill Nov. 2, romped by 10 1/2 lengths over fillies in an optional claimers on Turfway Park’s synthetic track Dec. 31 before running fourth vs. males in the Battaglia there Feb. 15. She returned to turf and to facing fillies only here and it paid off as she thoroughly enjoyed the footing, sitting second pressing pacesetter Catch a Thrill through slow splits, continued to dog that rival to the top of the lane, quickly asserted herself, took a clear lead and cruised home easily keeping hard-trying Regal Glory at bay in the final furlong. She’s obviously European experienced and could return there with trainer Wesley Ward’s group for a shot at the Group 1 English 1,000 Guineas at Royal Ascot in June. Regal Glory, smart winner of her first two starts on turf in New York in the fall and second in the Grade 3 Sweetest Chant at Gulfstream Feb. 3, was away slowly to be well back early, remained toward the back to the far turn, pitched wide on the turn and into the lane and finished with good energy, though she was never really a danger to the winner. The Grade 3 Edgewood at Churchill on the Kentucky Oaks undercard May 3 could be next, though that’s also reportedly the target for monster filly and stablemate Newspaperofrecord to make her 2019 debut. Also targeting the Edgewood are such crack fillies as Concrete Rose, Blowout, Winter Sunset and A Bit Special, so it will be a tough spot even if Newspaperofrecord doesn’t show up. Princesa Carolina, coming off a smart rallying second to the promising Chad Brown filly Cambier Parc in the Grade 3 Herecomesthebride at Gulfstream March 2, sat midpack from the start, tried to make a rally as the eventual winner also rallied into the lane, but proved no match for that foe or the runner-up in the final furlong. Clause, the favorite from the Brown barn after a smart debut win at Gulfstream Feb. 9, stalked the pace, seemed in a good spot to the far turn, came off the inside as if poised to make a run but the run never came.

Santa Anita
Las Flores (race 8)

COMMENT: With Spiced Perfection having shipped out of town (and winning the Grade 1 Madison at Keeneland Saturday) and top distaff sprinters Marley’s Girl, Secret Spice and Selcourt having stretched out to a mile in the Grade 1 Beholder last week, this Grade 3 West Coast distaff sprint event provided an opportunity for someone else to step up and that’s exactly what Danuska’s My Girl did here at a hefty 20-1. A winner of her last two vs. optional claimers the daughter of Shackleford flourished while trying stakes for the first time as she shot out to a clear early lead, set a brisk pace, saw even-money favorite Dream Tree draw closer going to the far turn, but rebuffed that foe, opened up into the lane and increased her advantage from there to win easily. The Grade 3 Desert Stormer at 6 furlongs here May 19 figures next. Emboldened, third in the Grade 1 La Brea last time out Dec. 26 to the aforementioned multiple Grade 1 winner Spiced Perfection, was away slowly to be at the back of the pack early, remained there to the top of the lane, finished well to pass a number of rivals and get up for second, though she was never a danger to the winner. Show It No Moe It, game winner of the Spring Fever for statebreds here Feb. 24, stepped into open Grade 3 company for this, pressed the issue from the start, got shuffled back going to the far turn and on the turn but got going again to just lose second in the final strides. Dream Tree, the even-money favorite after winning her first starts including the Grade 1 Starlet in December 2017 and two Grade 2s last year before dueling and giving way badly to end up last of eight as the 7-10 favorite in the Grade 1La Brea here Dec. 26, chased the eventual winner from the start, was still in it turning for home but then gave way in the lane. Apparently she’s not the same gal she was prior to her La Brea run.