6/18/22
3 SA Santa Maria Stakes (GII)
$200.000 F&M 3YO&UP 1m Turf 3yo 121lbs Older 124lbs +penalties
Out to the left coast for a class bunch of ladies set to go a mile on the lush SoCal SA turf course, and we look at the field of five for the Santa Maria Stakes (GII). I am taking Mb Stables and Creepy Crawlies in this one. I’ll throw out that OP effort and look for her to get back to the winner’s circle today. Obviously, you cannot ignore Naples, anytime she loads into the gate. She won the BC Distaff (GI) last year, so no more needs to be said.
Here’s The Field –
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Laffy Crack | Night Rider Stables | 3Espinoza V | 124 | 8/1 |
She’s been running mid-pack all season, and hasn’t won a race since last April. As a matter of fact, she hasn’t hit the board since then, only a couple of fourths. I think she needs to find some of that old form or it’s going to be a long day at the office… again.
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Naples | Arindel | 1Cedillo A | 124 | 7/2 |
A couple of runner-up starts this season, but she won the BC Distaff (GI) last year while putting nearly $4,000.000 in the bank. She tired in the La Troienne (GI) at CD last out, so it’s obvious that she is not in ’21 form. Can she turn it around today?
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Starship Twister | TwinTowersRacing | 3Bravo J | 124 | 7/2 |
She won the Ladies Hcp at AQU to get the season started, and has been close in her other three starts, including a third in the Apple Blossom (GI) at OP. A rather lack-luster fourth last out in the Allaire Distaff (GIII) at PIM… can she improve off of that race?
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Creepy Crawlies | Mb Stables | 1Gonzalez Ru | 124 | 3/1 |
Two wins this season including an Alw win at TAM, and the Henson Hcp at SUN before a poor effort in the Apple Blossom (GI). Now my issues with the OP surface are well documented, so I’m pitching that race out and will look for her to run a big race in this one.
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Speedy Ginger | The Sidley Stud | 3Rispoli U | 124 | 9/2 |
A first, a second and a third from three starts this season, and she won over this track vs. high-end Alw horses back in March. A couple of on the board finishes vs. stakes company, including a third place finish in the Allaire Distaff (GIII) at PIM. I think you have to put her on your exacta and tri tickets.
COZMAN 4 / 2 Willie’s Green Card 5 / 2
Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES
