3/17/11
Last updated: 3/17/11 5:53 PM
 |
Eclair de Lune’s big break came in the Beverly D.
(Four Footed Fotos) |
Unplaced twice since giving owner Richard Duchossois an emotional win in the
Beverly D. S. (G1) at Arlington Park last summer, ECLAIR DE LUNE (Ger) (Marchand
de Sable) will seek to find the winner’s circle again in Saturday’s $150,000
Santa
Ana S. (G2) over nine furlongs on the turf. The Santa Ana serves as a final
prep for next month’s Santa Barbara S. (G2) over 1 1/4 miles.
The Beverly D., named after Duchossois’ late wife, has so far been the only
victory in six U.S. appearances for Eclair de Lune, who is trained by Ron
McAnally. Her 1 1/2-length score in the Beverly D. was preceded by a second in
the Modesty H. (G3), but she’s finished unplaced every other time including
three trips over Santa Anita’s turf.
Following the Beverly D., Eclair de Lune was sixth by two lengths in the
Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1), but after an extended break she could only
finish fourth as the even-money choice in the January 23 Megahertz S. at one
mile. Back at a presumably more favorable distance, Eclair de Lune will be
piloted in the Santa Ana by Chantal Sutherland.
|
Four fillies and mares who contested the Buena Vista H. (G2) on Presidents’
Day are in the Santa Ana field. MALIBU PIER (Malibu Moon) fared the best of the
quartet, finishing third by 1 1/4 lengths, and seeks her first victory since
taking her first two career starts last summer.
TURNING TOP (Ire) (Pivotal) should improve off her sixth in the Buena Vista,
where she fell far behind early. Usually much closer to the pace, Turning Top
has the back class to compete after a win in last year’s Beverly Hills H. (G3)
and placings in the Yellow Ribbon S. (G1) and Las Palmas H. (G2).
 |
It Tiz (left) and Lilly Fa Pootz will renew their rivalry in the
Santa Ana
(Benoit Photos) |
IT TIZ (Tiznow) and LILLY FA POOTZ (Gilded Time), one-two in the Megahertz
two back, each regressed in the Buena Vista. It Tiz failed to make any type of
rally after hopping and bobbling at the
start. Grade 2-placed Lilly Fa Pootz,
meanwhile, was still second a furlong out but her bid was repelled rather
quickly by eventual runner-up Briecat (Adcat).
Also among the field is Bayakoa H. (G2) winner WASHINGTON BRIDGE (Yankee
Gentleman), unplaced in two prior turf outings, and Group 3-placed BLUE MAIDEN
(GB) (Medicean), second in a downhill turf sprint allowance in her seasonal bow.
The $100,000
Irish O’Brien S., an about 6 1/2-furlong dash down the hillside turf course,
has attracted nine California-bred or -sired fillies and mares.
Grade 2-placed stakes winner STRAWBERRY TART (Atticus), sidelined since last
May and a starter only once since October 2009, faltered in her only other
attempt over the course and distance and might be at a fitness disadvantage.
QUISISANA (Decarchy), the 2010 Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Sprint winner,
seeks her first turf win after garnering small checks in the Kalookan Queen H.
and Santa Monica S. (G1) on dirt this meet.
|
Possibly of more interest are multiple stakes winner LA NEZ (Storm Creek) and
recent course-and-distance allowance winners WEST RULER (Tribal Rule) and
SAANNEEN (Cee’s Tizzy).
