Santa Ana Stakes (Grade lll)

Purse $100.000 – For Fillies And Mares Four Years Old And Upward

1 1/4 Miles – Turf

Santa Anita Park – March 15, 2026

It was an absolutely dominant front-running performance from Rain Rattle in the 22nd running of the Santa Ana Stakes. Considering she was claimed for just $4.000; her rise has been nothing short of remarkable. The daughter of La Lune Rain boosted her career earnings to $922.200, and this victory marked her fifth graded stake. The win was also the first in the Santa Ana for Bears Stable and jockey Antonio Fresu. Rain Rattle’s incredible rise from the claiming ranks continues to add another impressive chapter, and credit goes to Bears Stable for developing this filly into a multiple graded stakes winner. 

Winner: Rain Rattle – (Bears Stable, A. Fresu) Sent straight to the lead leaving the gate, Rain Rattle set comfortable fractions while contending for the pace. It wasn’t until the ¾ pole where she put one length on the field and established command down the backside. Entering the far turn, the margin increased to two lengths as she started to pull clear. There were several horses trying to close in the stretch, but Rain Rattle was too strong on the front end and repelled all challengers. Her remarkable rise from a $4.000 claim shows no signs of slowing. Congratulations!

Second Place: Categorical Destiny – (Mb Stables, K. Kimura) It was a relatively perfect setup for this six-year-old mare, who sat just behind the early speed. Categorical Destiny looked as though she might be caught five wide in the opening stages but eventually tucked in toward the rail. As Rain Rattle established a clear lead down the backstretch, Categorical Destiny began to track the leader and inched closer approaching the ⅜ pole. She launched her bid in the stretch but ultimately could not match strides with the winner. Mb Stables should be pleased with the runner-up effort.

Third Place: Happy Dancer – (Nakamura Stables, V. Espinoza) The heavy favorite decided to change tactics this race and try to come from off the pace. Happy Dancer settled midpack through the opening stages while hoping Rain Rattle was setting a fast pace up front. She began to advance around the 5/16 pole, but several horses had already started to make their moves. Turning for home, there was simply too much ground to make up as the eventual winner was well clear. While the effort wasn’t a total misfire, it’s safe to say Happy Dancer does her best running when positioned closer to the early speed.

Fourth Place: My Princess Em – (Bigchief Stables, F. Geroux) There was a late jockey change for this mare, with Florent Geroux replacing Umberto Rispoli. My Princess Em broke well from the gate and vied for the early lead. She ultimately wasn’t quick enough and sat in the second flight of horses down the backside. Passing the quarter pole, the distance began to take its toll as other horses started to pass her in the stretch. It was a decent fourth-place finish, however her best performances in the future may come at a mile and an eighth or shorter.

– AJM

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES