Post-Race Review
Jockey David Flores and the Irish-bred Mrs. Kipling took the Senorita Stakes (gr. III) on Sunday, rallying from seventh place to draw away in the stretch despite being four wide on the turn. 2 1/2 lengths clear of longshot Candilejas at the wire, Mrs. Kipling stopped the clock in 1:34.52 for the mile.
Pride Dancer (IRE) finished third, a length ahead of Acting Lady in fourth. Burg Berg was scratched, leaving a field of nine. Neil Drysdale trains Mrs. Kipling for the renowned chef Bobby Flay. As the 2 – 1 favorite, Mrs. Kipling returned $6 even. The three-year-old filly is by Exceed and Excel (AUS) and is out of the Japanese-bred mare Quinzey.
Pre-Race Analysis
A field of ten evenly matched sophomore fillies will go a mile on the turf in Sunday’s Senorita Stakes (gr. III).
Acting Lady won the Providencia Stakes last out, which is important to note as several fillies in this field are exiting that race. Victor Espinoza, who was aboard for the Providencia, is back on today. Doug O’Neill trains Acting Lady, who will be seeking lifetime win number three.
Pasar Silbano stands out as a contender. Third in the Providencia, the James Cassidy trainee won the La Habra at 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf in February. With five wins in nine starts and $269,000 in earnings, Pasar Silbano has the best record of any filly in the race, and will have the services of Mike Smith.
Mrs. Kipling (IRE) finished second in the Providencia, losing by a half length. The Exceed and Excel (AUS) filly was a listed stakes winner in Italy before shipping to the United States.
Three wins in six starts makes Dot Dot Dash an interesting horse. This two time listed stakes winner at Fairplex is suspect in this kind of company, especially coming off a third place finish in a Turf Paradise listed stakes. However, that was following a six month layoff. Brice Blanc will ride.
At one time, Century Park was a Kentucky Oaks candidate for trainer Bob Baffert, and won the Santa Ysabel (gr. III) in January. The filly hasn’t won in three starts since, but was third in back to back stakes races including the rich Sunland Park Oaks. Joel Rosario has the mount.
Empressive Lady is coming off a fifth place finish in the 6 1/2 furlong Santa Paula Stakes on the synthetic surface, which followed a victory in an optional claiming race in February. Lexlenos (IRE) makes her United States debut, while Pride Dancer (IRE), who was a disappointing eleventh in the Providencia, and the Candy Ride (ARG) daughter Candilejas will also go to the post.
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Emily Shields is a regular contributor to Case the Race. She has written for California Thoroughbred, Churchill Downs media, and international racing magazines.
