In an exhilarating finish at Santa Anita Park, Mrs. Astor secured her second consecutive graded stakes win by a narrow margin in the Grade 3, $100,000 Robert J. Frankel Stakes. The four-year-old filly, trained by Jonathan Thomas, overcame mid-pack positioning to edge out Mahina in a photo finish. This victory followed her November triumph in the Red Carpet Stakes at Del Mar, marking significant milestones in her racing career. Despite concerns about the shorter distance, Mrs. Astor demonstrated remarkable adaptability and resilience under jockey Frankie Dettori's expert guidance.

A Strategic Comeback for Mrs. Astor

Trainer Jonathan Thomas had reservations about the reduced distance but trusted in Mrs. Astor's potential. Initially positioned mid-pack, the filly made strategic moves on the second turn and surged forward in the final stretch. Dettori's early engagement played a crucial role in ensuring Mrs. Astor could capitalize on the pace set by Omaha Girl. Her performance showcased not only speed but also tactical prowess, highlighting the importance of race strategy.

Thomas expressed initial concerns about the shorter distance, but his faith in the horse paid off. "We thought with the right trip, she could handle it," he said. Mrs. Astor's ability to respond effectively to the mid-pack position and surge late under Dettori's guidance was pivotal. The filly's previous experience at Aqueduct provided valuable insights into her capabilities, further enhancing her chances of success. Dettori's familiarity with Mrs. Astor from their July race added an extra layer of confidence, allowing him to navigate the challenging conditions with precision.

Competitive Field and Key Moments

The six-horse field presented stiff competition, with long shots like Mahina and Omaha Girl setting the pace. Stablemate Mouffy and favorite Hang the Moon failed to make the podium, adding drama to the event. Mahina, under Flavien Prat, finished just behind Mrs. Astor, while Yerwanthere claimed third place. The race highlighted the unpredictability of turf events and the significance of every move on the track.

Mahina's strong performance, finishing half a length ahead of Yerwanthere, underscored the competitive nature of the race. Trainer Patrick Gallagher's horses showed promise, with both Mahina and Yerwanthere delivering commendable efforts. The moderate pace set by Omaha Girl allowed Mrs. Astor to settle comfortably before making her decisive move. Dettori's decision to slingshot Mrs. Astor off the bend proved critical, as the filly powered through to secure the win. Mrs. Astor's consistent record now stands at 16 starts with 4 wins, 4 seconds, and 3 thirds, accumulating $355,235 in earnings. Her recent victories have solidified her status as a formidable competitor in the racing world.