Santa Monica Stakes – Grade II
7 Furlongs Dirt Stake Purse $200.000 Filly & Mare 4 Year Olds And Up

1st Chocolatini, trained Chili King Stables
Placed twice at grade two with a career best speed figure last time out
it is one of those total impondrables as to why the odds generator sent this
filly off as the outsider. But thankfully she didnt know her odds and after
a good start she set a brisk pace on the front and kept on far too well
for her rivals. It looks like she is still improving and this could well
become one of the top fillies this season.

2nd Ambient, trained by Mb Stables
Last years BC Sprint runner up looked to be in the perfect position tracking
the winner in a loose stalk and moving up on the turn. Either the lack of a run
or the ‘bridesmaids’ factor struck though and she just could not get on terms
with the leader in the end. This was a nice start to the season though and i am
sure we will be seeing plenty more of her this year.

3rd Seven To Mia, trained by Smokey Stover
Kept back in the field today she finished nicely to be a closing third today
beating a few key rivals. This was a good effort though and she should be seen
to good effect in this grade.

4th Lovely Lodge, trained by Diablo Diablo
Stalked the lead and lost out in a three way photo for second. Another day wouldve
seen her place better so this was a nice effort in a strong field.

5th Missing Matter, trained by Paradise Stable
A whisker behind second in a blanket finish she overturned the Rampart form and
will have pleased her trainer with this effort.

6th Ocala Express, trained by D J C Racing Stables
I think this filly pretty much typified HRP at the moment. A winner of the Rampart
she beat two of these fillys in that race but today she was well beaten by them.
The pace was  alot stronger today which may have had something to do with it but
the whole result could easily be reversed if they all ran against each other again
next week.

7th Chase Hardhead, trained by Sarah Stables
Did not run badly after trailing the field by some way she ran on well but was never
any closer. The jury is still out but with her deep closing style it will always be
tough for her at this level.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES