It looks like Mb Stables has found a winning combination with his previous sire Decima ( Smokey Stover) and dam Forgetful, as they have produced this fine sophomore who has done nothing but win since stepping on the track. Will the dream continue?

• Monrovia Handicap ( Gr. III )- Purse $200.000
• Santa Anita Park- For Fillies and Mares Three Years old and Up
• Five and a half Furlongs in distance- Turf Track

In this the first ever five and a half furlong distance for the Gr. II Monrovia Stakes, Twisted Minds continued her winning ways here at Santa Anita on Sunday, walking away with her first ever Graded title. While the speed was definitely fast with an opening half mile in 44 flat and a five eights time of 55 and four, Her final time of 1:01.65 now sets the bar for this distance.

While four other entries would challenge for the front end quickly out of the gate, Twisted Minds was keen on seeing how the race was going to develop going into the opening downhill turn. Gutierrez was aboard for her previous victory in the Giants Causeway, so he definitely knew how she would react.

Dodge Challenger ( John Henry) had found herself out in front through the turn, with Spirits Feronia ( Straight Arrow) a length behind her. Win For Red was two lengths shy at this point, with Twisted Minds and Flying Nun ( Maxmillion Farm) poised to make up ground down to the inside.

As the field approached the crossing of the main track, Dodge Challenger still had a length on Spirits Feronia, with Win For Red and Flying Nun challenging the pace with Twisted Minds poised in between this pair. Back another length and a half were Hollywood Greek ( Chili King Stables ) and Mb Stables other entry Reprecussions. The trailers at this point were Red Eclipse ( Allinthegate ) and Royally Bred ( High Voltage).

Twisted Minds would finally find the front just outside the sixteenth pole, sticking a head in front of Dodge Challenger. Spirits Feronia was doing all she could to stay game along the rail, as now Hollywood Greek was making a charge to the outside down the stretch.There was less then two and a half lengths separating first from last at this point.

Hitting the line in a final time 1:01.65, Twisted Minds managed to hold off late charging Hollywood Greek to her outside, and a determined stablemate Reprecussions who managed to close from between horses. Definitely Gutierrez was glad this was not a furlong longer on the day.

Three straight victories since this bay filly has stepped onto the track, and both her stakes titles came against older. Total earnings now top $217.000 dollars, and it will be interesting to see just where her talented trainer will place her next. The Elaine in June is a possibility but a bit too soon so I doubt it. More then likely to see her return sometime in July or early August.

Runner-up Hollywood Greek almost gave up her spot to a late closer, winning the photo by a nose. The recent Sidney Stakes winner definitely will have something to say in her next outing. Should come at six panels or longer to benefit her style of running.

With stablemate Reprecussions, the distance was just a tad too short for her liking, as she put in a fast race up between horses to hit the trifecta. Sent out as the post time favorite, in her 13 career starts, her record of ( 6-3-2 ) shows just how much talent this four year old daughter of Moment Of Madness really has under her saddle.

The final purse would go to early challenger Spirits Feronia who finished just a length shy of the winner.

Track: Firm
Time: :21⁴  :44  :55⁴  1:01³

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 2 – 4 Paid 51.70
$1 Trifecta: 2 – 4 – 8 Paid 88.20

Scratched: Lewis Bay

Duffer

Out and Gone!!!

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES