In the world of thoroughbred racing, few tracks offer the unique challenge of Santa Anita’s hillside turf course. On Sunday, this iconic venue will host the Grade 3 Las Cienegas Stakes, a $100,000 race for fillies and mares over approximately 6½ furlongs. Among the contenders are several seasoned competitors, each with their own story to tell. Toupie, trained by Graham Motion, returns after a successful run in the Unzip Me Stakes, while Laulne makes her comeback following an eight-month hiatus. Just Nails and Miss Lizzy also aim to claim victory, each bringing their own strengths to the competition. The race promises to be a thrilling display of speed, strategy, and horsemanship.
Toupie Leads the Charge in a Field of Talented Contenders
On a crisp autumn afternoon, the spotlight shines on Santa Anita Park as it prepares to host the prestigious Las Cienegas Stakes. This Grade 3 event, featuring fillies and mares, takes place on the track’s signature hillside turf course, known for its challenging turns and undulating terrain. Leading the field is Toupie, a filly owned by Wertheimer and Frère and trained by Graham Motion. Toupie secured a memorable victory in the Unzip Me Stakes in September, showcasing her prowess on the hillside turf under jockey Flavien Prat. Since then, she has faced older horses at Aqueduct, finishing fourth in the Autumn Days Stakes. Now, Toupie aims to replicate her earlier success, with Prat once again in the saddle.
Joining Toupie in the race is Laulne, a 4-year-old filly returning from an eight-month layoff under trainer Phil D’Amato. Prior to her break, Laulne won the Angels Flight sprint on the same hillside turf course in April and placed third in the Senorita Stakes (G3) in May. Both performances were guided by jockey Antonio Fresu, who will reunite with Laulne for this important race. Another notable contender is Just Nails, a 6-year-old mare seeking her first stakes win under trainer Doug O’Neill. After narrowly missing out in the Senator Ken Maddy Stakes and placing fourth in the Stormy Liberal, Just Nails hopes to capitalize on her experience and familiarity with the hillside turf.
Rounding out the field is Miss Lizzy, a 5-year-old mare trained by O’Neill, who excels on this particular course. She previously claimed victory in the Mizdirection Stakes in May and will have Frankie Dettori aboard for the first time. With a strong record on the hillside turf, Miss Lizzy looks to bounce back from recent setbacks and add another chapter to her impressive career. As these talented athletes line up at the starting gate, all eyes will be on Santa Anita’s picturesque landscape, where history might be made once again.
The Las Cienegas Stakes not only highlights the skill and determination of these remarkable horses but also underscores the importance of adaptability in horse racing. Each filly and mare brings a unique background and set of experiences, making the outcome unpredictable yet exciting. For trainers, jockeys, and owners, this race serves as a testament to the dedication and passion that define the sport. As spectators watch the action unfold, they are reminded of the beauty and thrill that only thoroughbred racing can provide.