Trip Notes for January 23: Santa Monica Stakes

Saturday, January 23

Santa Anita - Santa Monica (race 8)

COMMENT: Lost Bus, claimed for $32,000 just over two months ago, picked the right day to run the race of her life and posted a 64-1 upset. A non-threatening third in the Kalookan Queen at 39-1 here Dec. 30, she hadn’t won in over 10 months, but had looked rejuvenated since adding blinkers again. She went right out to be part of a three-way duel with Finest City and 3-1 favorite Tara’s Tango, had her head in front on the far turn as Living the Life joined the fray, and continued on gamely. She did drift out slightly to bump Finest City very late, but the stewards let the result stand. Finest City dueled with the winner from the start and stuck with her every step of the way, coming up just a head short. Tara’s Tango, so promising last spring and coming off a return fourth in the Kalookan Queen, was part of the early duel with the top two, looked dead in the water as she lost position from between horses, but moved back out and finished gamely. Apparently she’s best when she’s clear and not in traffic. Living the Life stalked the pace, loomed a big threat on the turn and into the lane, but then couldn’t stay with the top three. Prize Exhibit, trying dirt for the first time after winning the Grade 2 Monrovia on turf, stalked the pace while saving ground, was in the hunt turning for home, but then fell away. Ben’s Duchess, the second choice, was slow into stride and never made a move.