In a battle between prominent players in the Southern California three-year-old fillies division, Eda sprang a mild surprise in Sunday’s Santa Ysabel S. (G3).

Sidelined since romping in the Oct. 1 Chandelier (G2), Ain’t Easy returns over the same 1 1/16-mile trip at Santa Anita in Sunday’s $100,000 Santa Ysabel (G3).

The opening day of Santa Anita's fall meet on Friday will feature three Breeders' Cup Challenge preps for two-year-olds, as well as a potentially key prep for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1).