Trying to shine at a stable with some 118 Graded stakes victory to its credit is a big task, but that’s just what By Far Ideal did here at Santa Anita on Memorial Day, giving Maxmillion Farm their 119th Graded title, and her second in thirteen career starts.

• The Gamely – Grade I Purse $500.000
• Santa Anita Park – For Fillies and Mares Three years old and up.
• Mile and an Eighth – Turf Course
• May 27th, 2019

In this opening event on the Memorial Day card here at Santa Anita, the betting public placed its hopes on three straight race winner coming into this race Nancy Broom Moytoy ( Team 7 Illusions), the 3-5 post time favorite. She was bringing a victory in the Gr. I Matriarch to close out last season, and a Gr. III Santa Ana Stakes win this season.

But By Far Ideal had already conquered this surface back with a victory in the Gr. III Frankel Stakes at the close of the year, and she was determined not to be denied today. In what was a strategy that had been used in the past to send her out to the top, only to leave her lagging in the late stages, her trainer had found something in either an instruction, or in Gutierrez and his strength on the grass. Either way, she was able to maintain a two length advantage throughout this event after battling with Easy Time ( Mb Stables ) in the opening stages and on through the clubhouse turn.

In all, By Far Ideal was not lacking for strength on this day, posting fractions of 49 flat, 1:11 and four, 1:34 and four, and closing out in a final time of 1:46.24.

While Easy Time would find herself locked in a battle with Nancy Broom Moytoy all the way down the backstretch and into the far turn, she would find a little breather from the action off the turn for home. The only other issue that Maldonado was concerned with, was the fact the rest of the field was starting to put in a late run. To her inside, Nancy Broom Moytoy was not done with her fight, as she was trying all she could to gain ground. When all was said an done, Easy Time would hang on for the place purse by three quarters of a length at the wire.

Trying everything she could to not spoil the outcome for her fans, Nancy Broom Moytoy never gave up the fight to try and finish in at least the top two placing, but the other competitors were just a little bit better with their efforts.

The final runners in order of finish would be Devil Wears Prada ( Axeman) who remained five back throughout this event. Good For Nowt ( Diablo Diablo ) who was hoping to jump right back into the hunt off her Grade III Victory, and finally Sweet Gail ( Sccj Stables ) who seems to be performing in every other start that she competes in. This was her off race, so watch for better next time out.

$2 Mutuel Prices: 

$1 Exacta: 2 – 6 Paid 387.60 
$1 Trifecta: 2 – 6 – 4 Paid 380.20 

Duffer

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES