Santa Margarita – Grade I
1 1/8 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $400.00 Filly & Mare 4 Year Olds And Up.

1st Shake It Off, trained by Smokey Stover
After a season last year playing second fiddle to the likes of Viking Vania and Whispering Nurse this filly got some just rewards today with a  gutsy head win in a thrilling finish. Its true the rain wouldnt have hurt her chances as much as the others but she had to cope with a fairly wide trip from her wide draw and still she was the strongest at the end as three super fillies and mares crossed the line together. I am sure she will meet all these again atleast once as the year progresses but for now she is two from two in a  great start to the season.

2nd= Whispering Nurse, trained by D J C Racing Stables
Another that didnt mind the rain she was on the speed early on leading well before halfway and looked the winner down the stretch before just being out battled near the line. She put in yet another fine effort today and will be an exciting filly to watch this season.

2nd= Conspiring, trained by Mb Stables
This filly just seems to find trouble and found her path blocked a few times in this race. When she finally got a clear run she hit the line hard to share second which was a fine effort considering she probably liked the ground the least.

4th Cheerful Goddess, trained by TwinTowersRacing
If i told the trainer they were going to beat Viking Vania and Wicked Heat he would have been thrilled and expected a much better return than the few dollars he got here for being beaten only a length by the leading fillies and mares in the game. Clearly this one is improving especially as the ground conditions did not suit.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES