In an intriguing matchup, the three-year-old filly Will Then takes center stage on Sunday as the sole filly among eight contenders in the prestigious $100,000 Pasadena Stakes at Santa Anita. This one-mile turf event showcases a unique assembly of horses, each with its own set of challenges. Despite facing some setbacks in preparation, Will Then, guided by trainer Jonathan Thomas and owner-breeder Augustin Stables, remains a formidable competitor with a Grade 3 victory under her belt.

Will Then's Unconventional Preparation for the Pasadena Stakes

The journey to the Pasadena Stakes has been anything but smooth for Will Then. Her training schedule has faced interruptions due to unpredictable weather and minor health issues within the stable. The filly’s workouts have been sporadic, consisting of four furlong drills in January, twice in February, and most recently last Sunday. Trainer Thomas acknowledges that these disruptions have left the horse not quite at peak condition but expresses optimism about the race serving as a valuable stepping stone.

This strategic decision is aimed at positioning Will Then for future opportunities. A strong performance could open doors to races like the China Doll at Santa Anita or even a competition in Kentucky. Thomas emphasizes that timing plays a crucial role in their race strategy. He also notes the significance of this race in helping Will Then regain her optimal form, despite the less-than-ideal preparation period. The filly will be ridden by Umberto Rispoli for the first time, adding another variable to the mix.

A Diverse Field with Unique Challenges

The Pasadena Stakes features a diverse lineup, each horse bringing its own set of obstacles. Among them, Tiz Secure, trained by Bob Baffert, transitions from dirt to turf after winning his debut sprinting six furlongs just two weeks ago. Freedom’s Not Free, under Mark Glatt’s guidance, faces uncertainty in handling two-turn races. Shea Brennan, a two-time stakes winner against California-breds, ventures into uncharted territory on turf and competes against open company for the first time.

The field also includes a maiden, Rank, trained by Doug O’Neill, further highlighting the varied experience levels within the race. Thomas reflects on the uniqueness of this group, noting that every horse must overcome its own hurdles. The Pasadena Stakes, scheduled as the ninth race of the day with a start time of 7:30 p.m. EDT, promises an exciting and unpredictable outcome. Each contender brings distinct challenges, making this race a compelling spectacle for horse racing enthusiasts.