Go to Vegas Rodeo Drive Stakes (G1T) winner of 2021, returns to defend her title on October 8. But she’s more at risk of being threatened because Santa Anita . Park the race offers a “Win and You’re In” landing for Producers Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) and could also improve Go to Vegas’ sales prospects.
Abbondanza Racing, Medallion Racing and MyRacehorse own 5-year-old Go to Vegas, three entities including multiple partners. Breeding mares usually doesn’t fit these types of partnerships, and so Going to Vegas was entered as Hip 293 during Fasig-Tipton Kentucky’s November sale.
“We don’t usually keep them after they’re five years old,” says Bing Bush of Abbondanza. “Last year, we thought about selling her. We really enjoyed having her.”
Although Going to Vegas hasn’t won since last year’s Rodeo Drive, she has brought another exciting racing season to her ownership. After competing in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, she entered four straight qualifying races — Buena Vista Stakes (G2T), Santa Ana Stakes (G3T), Gamely Stakes (G1) and John C. Mabee Staking (G2T).
“She likes a mile and a quarter – historically, she’s been a little better if she’s gone longer,” Bush said. “She looks like she’s in good form. I think she might need that last race. She’s been on the shelves a bit.”
September 10, Mabee will go to Vegas’ starting for the first time since Gamely May 30. Phil D’Amato, who has been with Bob Baffert for Del Mar Training title, condition Go to Vegas, daughter of Gold Coins . Umberto Rispoli, who traveled to Vegas in the Rodeo Drive race last year, back from post 3.
Coach Chad Brown Is Sending Plains Partners’ Head Smooth socks travel from New York to Rodeo Drive. ‘s 4-year-old daughter Sleep been to California three times before with good results. She won the 2020 Jimmy Durante Stakes (G3T) in Del Mar with 2nd place for driver Irad Ortiz Jr. and finished third at Del Mar Oaks (G1T) in 2021 for Joel Rosario and American Oaks (G1) in Santa Anita for Mike Smith. Brown named Joe Bravo on Fluffy Socks this time, and they pulled out post 2.
In addition to the California performances, the Fluffy Socks won the 2020 Selma Stakes at Pimlico and 2021 Sands Point Stakes (G2T) at Belmont Park. She will appear momentarily on WinStar Matchmaker Stakes (G3T) on July 23 at Monmouth Park and August 27 Ballston Spa Stakes (G2T) at Saratogalose Lemista and Technical analysis also a member of the powerful Brown stables.
Coach Brendan Walsh is transporting the 5-year-old Family Road from Kentucky. Daughter of Uncle Mo won Orchid Stakes (G3T) at Gulfstream Park in the spring and is about to finish second in the 5/16 mile AGS Women’s Marathon (G3T) at Kentucky Downs. Tyler Gaffalione drove Family Way, but Mike Smith will test drive her locally from lesson 7.
Neige Blanche performed most stably at longer distances. Coach Leonard Powell kept his 5-year-old daughter Anodin at 1 1/4 mile or more in all 14 of her US starts except the first, 2020 Del Mar Oaks (G1T). Neige Blanche won six of those races, all stakes, including two versions of the Santa Barbara Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita.
“She’s doing really well in the race,” Powell said. “She showed really good form at Santa Anita in the spring, and I expect a very good effort on Saturday.”
Juan Hernandez, Del Mar’s top racer and quickly topping the Santa Anita roster just three days into the fall meeting, has edged Neige Blanche in most of her races. He’s back from lesson 5.
Scarabea a 4-year-old daughter of a Triple Crown winner American pharoah Trained by Jack Sisterson, most recently ran second half length to Ms. Otoole in 1 3/8 miles CTT and TOC Stock in Del Mar. She’s set foot in all three of her California starting places after spending most of her career in Kentucky and the East Coast. Although she has yet to win the bet, Scarabea has also finished second behind Neige Blanche in a possibly perfect June 19 by this same gap at Santa Anita. Abel Cedillo rides from Lesson 4.
Bellamore (Kyle Frey, post 6) third in CTT and TOC Stakes and fourth in Mabee for coach Simon Callaghan. Prior to that, she finished first in two subsidized option claim events, although she was eliminated and placed fourth at Golden Gate Field when she was bumped and then drifted out and is said to have disturbed another horse.
Temple of Queen Ofthe (Hector Berrios, lesson 1) completes the field. Coached by Dan Blacker, the stout 4-year-old is third in Santa Barbara.
Item: Rodeo Drive S. (G1T)
Santa Anita . ParkSaturday, October 8, 2022, Race 5
- Level I
- 1 1/4
- Grass field downhill
- 300,000 dollars
- 3 yo & up Fillies and Mares
- 3:06 pm (local)
