HorseRacing
Spotlight on Speed: The Thrilling La Brea Stakes Showcases Elite 3-Year-Old Fillies
2024-12-19
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the Grade 1, $300,000 La Brea Stakes welcomes a stellar lineup of 3-year-old fillies. This prestigious event will take place over seven furlongs on opening day at Santa Anita Park, marking the beginning of the winter-spring meet. Alongside the La Brea, four other graded stakes races will highlight the day's action, including the renowned Malibu (G1).
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Accuracy's Stellar Rise
Under the guidance of trainer Michael McCarthy, Accuracy has quickly emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the world of horse racing. Owned by Mike Repole, this talented filly has demonstrated remarkable consistency and speed, winning her last two starts by an impressive combined margin of 22 1/4 lengths. Her maiden victory in October was nothing short of spectacular, covering 1 1/16 miles in just 1:42.44, earning her a commendable 107 Beyer Speed Figure. This performance places her among the top female horses of the year, second only to Thorpedo Anna.Accuracy's journey to the La Brea includes a dominant 7 1/4-length win in a one-mile allowance race at Del Mar on November 29. With Umberto Rispoli aboard and starting from post 2, Accuracy will face her toughest challenge yet in a field of 11 elite contenders. This race marks her first sprint since her debut in August at Del Mar, showcasing her versatility and potential.Tamara's Return to Glory
Trained by Richard Mandella, Tamara makes her second start after more than a year off. Her return in a one-mile classified allowance at Del Mar on November 15 saw her narrowly lose by a nose to Sandy Bottom, who also competes in the La Brea. Last year, Tamara claimed victory in the Del Mar Debutante (G1) over seven furlongs but finished seventh in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita. By Bolt d'Oro, Tamara boasts a record of 4: 2-1-0 with earnings of $261,400. Hall of Famer Mike Smith will ride Tamara, adding another layer of excitement to her comeback.One Magic Philly's Resilience
One Magic Philly enters the La Brea after finishing sixth in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Prior to that, she secured her stakes debut win in the Chillingworth (G3) at Santa Anita in October. Trained by Phil D’Amato, One Magic Philly has accumulated $181,400 in earnings over five starts. Flavien Prat will take the reins for the first time, bringing fresh energy to her campaign.Sugar Fish's Turf Dominance
Sugar Fish brings a strong record to the La Brea, having won four of her six starts at Santa Anita. Most recently, she placed fifth in the Breeders' Cup Distaff at Del Mar. Earlier this year, Sugar Fish triumphed in both the Summertime Oaks (G2) in June and the Zenyatta (G2) in September. By Accelerate, Sugar Fish has earned $370,040 for owners Talla Racing and Sweetwater Stable. Regular rider Tyler Baze returns to guide her through this competitive field.Baffert's Quartet of Contenders
Bob Baffert fields a formidable quartet, including Hope Road and Kinza, both graded-stakes winners. Hope Road has been unstoppable this year, winning four out of four races, including victories in the Torrey Pines (G3) and Bayakoa (G3), each over a mile at Del Mar. Owned by Cicero Farms, Hope Road has amassed $318,020 in earnings. Juan Hernández will ride her as she aims for another commanding performance.Kinza, trained by Michael Lund Petersen, has not raced since finishing second in the Santa Anita Oaks (G2) in April. Before that, she dominated both the Las Virgenes (G3) and Santa Ysabel (G3) at Santa Anita. With $219,000 in earnings, Kinza will have Hall of Famer John Velázquez aboard, setting the stage for a thrilling comeback.The La Brea Stakes promises an unforgettable spectacle, pitting some of the most promising young talent against seasoned champions. As the gates open, all eyes will be on these exceptional fillies, each vying for glory in one of the season's most anticipated races. The event is scheduled for approximately 6:30 p.m. EST on Saturday, with the first post at 2 p.m.