Santa Monica Tops Big Saturday At Santa Anita
A total of six stakes races will be contested at Santa Anita Park on Saturday. The $250,000 Santa Monica s. (G2) is the main attraction at The Great Race Place, and a well-matched field is likely. Grade 1 heroine Teddy’s Promise was an easy stakes winner in preparation of this one and will be among the ones to beat in this spot for conditioner Ron Ellis. The daughter of Salt Lake has run some of her better races on this main oval and her best makes her a tough customer today.
Grade 1 runner-up Sugarinthemorning, second in this race last season, as well as, multiple stakes winner Rumor, the speedy Nachez Dawn and Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) fourth Belle of the Hall, should be viewed as contenders also.
The $100,000 Santa Ysabel S. (G3) is for sophomore fillies going 1 1/16 miles, and the Bob Baffert-trained Blonde Fog could be the one to beat. The daughter of young sire Divine Park turned heads with an emphatic debut win, and the filly proved she was no fluke in her return when a fine second in the Hollywood Starlet S. (G1). Off since that fine try, the sophomore has trained steadily on this oval leading up to this in a return to the venue where she broke her maiden. Martin Garcia will ride.
Starlet third Scarlet Strike, Escape Act, a close fourth in the Blue Norther S., allowance third Tap the Magic and the Grade 2-placed Heir Kitty, also look likely for this spot.
Two editions of the $300,000 California Breeders’ Champion S, one for each the boys and the ladies, the $100,000 Crystal Water S. and the $100,000 Valentine Dancer S, are also slated for this big day of racing.