With the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff looming large on the horizon, Ollie’s Candy, Secret Spice and Paradise Woods head a field of six fillies and mares three and up in Sunday’s Grade II, $200,000 Zenyatta Stakes at Santa Anita, which will be contested at 1 1/16 miles.
The Zenyatta, named for the legendary distaffer that beat the boys in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic here at Santa Anita and who went on to win Eclipse Award Horse of the Year honors the following year, is a Breeder’s Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge Race qualifier, with the winner granted a fees-paid berth into the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
OLLIE’S CANDY: Owner: Paul & Karen Eggert; Trainer: John Sadler
Although she was multiple Grade I stakes-placed on turf, Sadler opted to run her on dirt in the Grade I Clement Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar July 28 and she responded with a gutty head victory, accomplished in gate to wire fashion. Originally trained by William Morey, this Kentucky homebred 4-year-old filly by Candy Ride comes back at the same 1 1/16 miles distance in what will be her fourth start for Sadler.
SECRET SPICE: Owner: Little Red Feather Racing & Bobby Flay; Trainer: Richard Baltas
Off as the 6-5 favorite in the Grade I Hirsch, this 4-year-old Discreet Cat filly bobbled at the break but was never far off the lead while second, beaten a head by Ollie’s Candy. A rousing 2 ¼ length winner of the Grade I Beholder Mile here three starts back, Secret Spice should be in a stalking position early on Sunday.
PARADISE WOODS: Owner: HS Stable LLC and Pam & Martin Wygod; Trainer: John Shirreffs
Immensely talented but temperamental, Paradise Woods finished a well beaten fourth as the second choice in the Hirsch at 8-5, but never seemed comfortable after breaking a step slow. With her best recent race a 10 ½ length romp three starts back in the Grade II Santa Margarita here April 27, this 5-year-old mare by Union Rags needs to break sharply and get into a comfortable rhythm if she’s to show her best again on Sunday.
GRADE II ZENYATTA STAKES WITH JOCKEYS & WEIGHTS IN POST POSITION ORDER
Race 5 of 8 Approximate post time 3:30 p.m. PT
- Secret Spice—Flavien Prat—125
- Mongolian Humor—Norberto Arroyo, Jr.—121
- Paradise Woods—Abel Cedillo–123
- Ollie’s Candy—Kent Desormeaux—125
- La Force—Drayden Van Dyke—123
- Kaydetre—Martin Garcia—121
For additional information, please visit santaanita.com or call (626) 574-RACE.
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