Beginning a ‘Legacy’ or ‘Light’ up the toteboard in Santa Ysabel?

That headline is a bit misleading.

While Achiever’s Legacy could begin her, well, legacy in Saturday’s Santa Ysabel S. (G3) at Santa Anita Park, there is little chance that Light the City will light up the toteboard in the 1 1/16-mile contest.

It wouldn’t be at all surprising to see the Jerry Hollendorfer filly, the 3-1 second choice on the morning-line, go off as the favorite following her half-length second in the Las Virgenes S. (G1) on January 31.

However, Achiever’s Legacy could turn the tables on her stablemate with enough improvement and a better ride off her latest effort.

The chestnut miss isn’t what anyone would describe as a standout, but she has shown tenacity in her races. Like Light the City, Achiever’s Legacy also ran in the Las Virgenes, finishing third while beaten four lengths.

But it was the way she did it that really impresses.

Breaking from post 3, the three-year-old filly was kept wide throughout that one-mile contest. She was wide on the first turn, wide down the backstretch and circled the final turn four wide.

While Light the City battled it out with race winner Callback up front, Achiever’s Legacy was powering down the center of the track. She slowly but surely made up ground on the top two, but ran out of room late.

The slightly extra distance in the Santa Ysabel can only help the Kentucky-bred lass. A better ride would also be appreciated, and is likely considering that veteran Hall of Famer Gary Stevens is taking over the mount from Drayden Van Dyke. Not to say Van Dyke can’t ride (earned an Eclipse as leading apprentice jockey), but Stevens has decades more experience than the youngster.

Light the City will be tough in the Santa Ysabel, but Achiever’s Legacy has just as much chance as any in the well-matched field of nine and could upset her barnmate.

Photo: Benoit Photos