A Z Warrior, Rigoletta entered in La Habra

Typically sent away at long odds, Oak Leaf winner Rigoletta (outside) should be among the La Habra favorites (Benoit Photos) One of the unintended consequences of this weekend’s soaking rainstorm forecast for Southern California is that Monday’s $100,000 La Habra S. (G3) has the potential to develop into a prep for the Kentucky Oaks (G1). Scheduled for about 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf, the La Habra might have to be moved to the main track if the turf does not dry out sufficiently. With that in mind, the connections of several fillies better known for their work on the main track were entered, including Frizette S. (G1) winner A Z WARRIOR (Bernardini) and Oak Leaf S. (G1) vixen RIGOLETTA (Concerto). Though both have enjoyed success on synthetic surfaces, often an indicator for success on grass, it’s more likely the La Habra’s two Grade 1 winners will go if the race is transferred off the turf. A Z Warrior captured the Frizette in her dirt debut for Bob Baffert, but endured a rough trip in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) and was not persevered with when trailing the field of 12. Rigoletta, after her half-length 32-1 upset of the Oak Leaf at Hollywood, was forced to miss the Breeders’ Cup due to a splint injury. The cutback in distance is unlikely to negatively either filly as both won their maidens going 5 1/2 furlongs.

Five fillies that broke from the gate in the January 22 Sweet Life S.
at the La Habra’s intended distance and surface have also been entered.
BLOEMER GIRL (Bertrando) led from the start and held off CLONEYLASS
(Ire) (Verglas [Ire]) by a half-length in the Sweet Life. On pedigree,
Bloemer Girl seems a more likely participant than Cloneylass should the
La Habra be moved to the dirt, while the status of Sweet Life also-rans
ADVANTAGE PLAYER (Bernstein), CAMBINA (Ire) (Hawk Wing) and SHE’LL HEIR
(Wildcat Heir) are at best uncertain.

Also among the La Habra field are Landaluce S. winner DAWNIE MACHO (Macho Uno),
sidelined since trailing the August 6 Sorrento S. (G3) at Del Mar, and multiple
stakes winner CATHY’S CRUNCHES (West Acre), recent runner-up in the California
Oaks at Golden Gate Fields.

Recent debut winner HOUT BAY (Harlan’s Holiday) could factor if she draws in
from the also-eligible list. Former European mainstays QUIET OASIS (Ire) (Oasis
Dream [GB]) and LATIN LASHES (Stormy Atlantic) are also among those on the
outside looking in, but are likely participants only if La Habra remains on the
grass.

The more lucrative of the Presidents Day stakes at Santa Anita is the
$150,000
Buena Vista H. (G2) for fillies and mares. Though scheduled for one mile on
turf, multiple Grade 1 winner EVENING JEWEL (Northern Afleet) and multiple Grade
2 veteran BRIECAT (Adcat) would be perfectly happy no matter what surface the
race is run on. Both exit the January 29 Sunshine Millions Distaff, a race won
by Evening Jewel with Briecat 2 1/2 lengths behind in fifth.

Among those probably hoping the Buena Vista stays put are Robert J. Frankel
S. (G2) upsetter SPRING STYLE (Ire) (Pivotal) and the top three from the January
23 Megahertz S. — IT TIZ (Tiznow), LILLY FA POOTZ (Gilded Time) and BURG BERG
(Johannesburg).

Returning from layoffs are the 2010 Beverly Hills H. (G3) heroine TURNING TOP
(Ire) (Pivotal), a neck third to Briecat in the Las Palmas H. (G2) when last
seen on Halloween, and the 2010 Senorita S. (G3) heroine COZI ROSIE (Pleasantly
Perfect), off since a head second to Evening Jewel in the Honeymoon H. (G2) on
Memorial Day.

Test S. (G1) runner-up BONNIE BLUE FLAG (Mineshaft) and La Brea S. (G1)
runner-up MALIBU PIER (Malibu Moon) are two others of note in the main body of
the Buena Vista field.