Trip Notes for Feb. 28: Santa Ysabel Stakes

Saturday, February 28

Santa Anita - Santa Ysabel (race 8)

COMMENT: Stellar Wind, coming off a monster maiden win at Laurel Dec. 18, handled the layoff, the huge class hike and the new surroundings with aplomb, beating some of the best 3-year-old fillies on the West Coast. She lagged back early as Enchanting Lady set a slow pace while being dogged by Light the City. Stellar Wind steadily advanced, came wide into the lane, and rallied to grab the lead. Southern California’s top 3-year-old fillies Callback, Luminance and Curlin’s Fox weren’t here, but another move forward from this daughter of Curlin could establish her as a legitimate challenger. The Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks here April 4 is her next target. Light the City, the 2-1 favorite, pressed Enchanting Lady from the start, moved up to challenge that rival into the lane, was immediately joined by Stellar Wind, and stayed on for second. The Santa Anita Oaks figures on her radar as well. Glory stalked the pace, made a threatening move on the turn and into the lane, but couldn’t sustain her bid. Enchanting Lady, making her first start since a 6 1/2-length win in the Landaluce here last June 22, went right out to the lead, set a modest pace under pressure from Light the City, but wilted in the lane. You can be a bit forgiving – this was not only her first start off a long layoff but it was her first route and first time facing this type of company.