Santa Anita: How to bet the 2023 Santa Ana Stakes
A talented field of nine fillies and mares will run 1 1/4 miles on the Santa Anita turf course in Sunday’s $100,000 Santa Ana (G3). Conditioner Michael McCarthy has a pair of ladies in the cast, and I believe that both contenders will have a big say in the outcome of the grassy endeavor.
I really liked the upset win posted by #5 Duvet Day in the Astra S. most recently and will come right back with the daughter of Starspangledbanner. Bred in Ireland, the filly rallied from well off the early pace en route to victory in that outing while defeating a few of the same re-opposing rivals.
The bay has won or placed in three of her five local assignments in advance of Sunday, and I don’t feel that the cutback in distance after running 1 1/2 miles will be an issue. Kazushi Kimura will be in the silks once again aboard the talented turf stayer.
Multiple Group 2 heroine #3 Australia Mia gave a solid account of herself when third in the Astra and is surely expected to move forward while making her second run stateside. Chilean import was forwardly placed from the opening bell in her latest try before tiring some very late, and she will benefit greatly from having a start under her belt. The bay daughter of Street Sense has put in three swift morning drills in the interim and has a lot of appeal with top turf pilot Frankie Dettori in the stirrups. She will be forwardly placed early in a group that lacks an abundance of pace.
I like the progression that #2 Queen Ofthe Temple has been showing of late for trainer Dan Blacker. The daughter of Temple City has improved her Brisnet Speed number in three straight outings, and the top-three threat has run well on numerous occasions on the local lawn, as well. Kentucky-bred five-year-old was a clear runner-up in the Astra most recently and rates an obvious chance with a forward move beneath leading jockey Juan Hernandez.
