Wilshire Stakes (Grade 3)- $100.000 Purse
SA- For Fillies and Mares Three Years Old and Upward
One Mile on the Turf
May 1, 2022

The field for the Wilshire Stakes seemed pretty evenly matched, so with one horse going off at 50/1 on the morning line, when there were only five horses to begin with, it seemed to worthwhile play. Charlotte de Shark was that horse, and she would be bet down to 13/1 as bettors saw that opportunity. She would still end up the longest shot on the board, so still had some good payouts associated with her, especially if you bet on her to place. Of course, those are all just virtual payouts, and the only one making real money on it is trainer Aarons Hosses. It is her third win in four starts for the trainer since she was acquired last September and it’s the first time that Aarons Hosses or jockey U Rispoli has won the race. Congratulations to them! The winning time was 1:33.83, not one of the quicker times, but was all that was needed. Let’s look at it!

(1/4 Mile- :23.35)- The race starts off with Emo Storm going out to the front for Arindel, and she holds a length lead as they move into the first turn. They are three wide across the track right behind her, with Ihaveasecret, from Nakamura Stables, running between horses and having a slight advantage over the other two, each of which are trained by La Canada Racehorses. Along Comes Mary runs on the rail, and Sacred Scrolls is in the third lane. It’s another two lengths to the eventual winner, Charlotte de Shark, who trails early for Aarons Hosses. Perhaps the start of this race was not that important, after all!

(½ Mile- :46.61)- Moving down the backstretch, Emo Storm continues to be the race leader, running all by herself while leading by a length. Ihaveasecret gets clear of the two La Canada Racehorses entries, and seems to be in a good position to make a move on Emo Storm as they prepare to move into the turn. Sacred Scrolls and Along Comes Mary were just riding along for now, and at the back, we had not seen a push yet from Charlotte de Shark.

(Top Of Stretch, 1.5F To Go)- Not much happens within the turn, as Emo Storm remains in front without anyone going up to challenge her. It looked like Ihaveasecret was preparing to do so, but the move never came. Still, she was in striking range in the stretch. Along Comes Mary was looking like the better of the two for La Canada as Sacred Scrolls began to tire out. Midway into the turn, Charlotte de Shark started showing more interest, but even at this point, she was still at the rear of the field, with about four lengths to make up.

(Finish- 1:33.83)- With a furlong to go, Emo Storm looked to be in good shape, but Charlotte de Shark was beginning to get in her best stride. She had a clear lane along the rail and would make the most of it, cutting into the advantage with every stride with the others horses not getting in her way. Still, it was looking like she would run out of time, but U Rispoli would have none of that thought, urging his mount for more and getting it just before the wire. That added push would be just enough to get Charlotte de Shark the victory! Emo Storm did fatigue late and nearly blew second to Ihaveasecret. Along Comes Mary and Sacred Scrolls are the final two.

About The Winner- Charlotte de Shark, trained by Aarons Hosses and ridden to victory by U Rispoli, is a four year old filly by Little Shark, and is out of the late Charlotte de Berry. She was bred in California as a third quarter two year old by Tacaro Farm, and acquired by Aarons Hosses for $60.000 in the September 2021 auction. Congratulations to the connections! The win is her fourth in eight starts, and her first stake win of any type. Her career earnings are now $191.400.

Track: Firm
Time: :23¹  :46³  1:09³  1:33⁴

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 3 – 1 Paid 121.80
$1 Trifecta: 3 – 1 – 4 Paid 279.30

Scratched: None

— NS

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES