Unusual Jane gets a rematch

ARCADIA, Calif. - Inspiration Within and Unusual Jane finished first and third in an optional claimer over six furlongs at Del Mar in early August. When they meet again in a one-mile allowance race over the Pro-Ride Thursday at Santa Anita, trainer Mike Puype feels the advantage will be with his filly, Unusual Jane.

Unusual Jane has run well in longer races, and Puype is hopeful that Inspiration Within will set the pace - and become a target.

"Inspiration Within will take care of the pace," Puype said. "I think the race sets up good" for Unusual Jane.

Unusual Jane, 4, followed her loss to Inspiration Within with a victory in an optional claimer for statebreds over a mile at Del Mar on Aug. 30 and a fourth in an optional claimer over 1 1/16 miles against open company here Oct. 2.

"I thought the mile and sixteenth might be a little too far," Puype said.

Unusual Jane, claimed for $50,000 in June, has earned prize money in five starts for Puype.

"She should win this condition in my mind," Puype said of Thursday's race.

Inspiration Within is winless in three starts since the Aug. 4 race at Del Mar, finishing fourth, third, and fifth in optional claimers against open company. Trained by Ed Moger Jr. for Curt and Lila Lanning, Inspiration Within was fifth behind the Puype-trained Quisisana in a six-furlong race here Oct. 1. Thursday's race will be her first start at a mile.

While Inspiration Within is expected to lead, she will be closely tracked by Sheza Maneater. Trained by Bob Baffert, Sheza Maneater led throughout a starter allowance over 1 1/16 miles here Oct. 13, a victory that ended a four-race losing streak.

The race has drawn six fillies and mares. She Floats, fourth behind Quisisana on Oct. 1, starts in the longest race of her career. She won a maiden race for $25,000 claimers at Del Mar on July 27, the day she was claimed by trainer John Sadler. She Floats won a starter allowance at Del Mar on Aug. 20 in her first start for Sadler.

Lemon Punch returns from a two-month layoff and is making her first start on the main track after running five times on turf. Island Hop, who will be a longshot, has lost her last seven races.