From Santa Anita Publicity
ARCADIA, Calif. (March 27, 2016)–In a determined stretch drive, Sheer Pleasure, under Martin Garcia, wore down pacesetter Swissarella and held off favored Kiss At Midnight to prevail by a half length in Sunday’s $100,000 Dream of Summer Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Conditioned by Phil D’Amato, Sheer Pleasure got one mile in 1:36.82.
“She has a lot of speed, you can put her wherever you want to,” said Garcia, who was a close fourth with the 4-year-old California-bred daughter of Birdonthewire mid-way around the far turn. “I was pretty lucky to be able to ride her again today. They didn’t give me any instructions because I know her well, so I took advantage of that fact.”
Off at 4-1 in a field of nine California-bred or sired fillies and mares, Sheer Pleasure, who was bred by Madera Thoroughbreds, is owned by Little Red Feather Racing and R/M Racing, paid $10.20, $4.60 and $3.20.
“The Cal-bred program is so rewarding,” said Billy Koch, on behalf of Little Red Feather Racing. “We know how hard it is to win and this filly is very special. I get choked up talking about her. She won two stakes last year and then had terrible trips to start off this year…We have 15 to 20 partners, and we’re also co-owners with Ron McMackin of R/M Racing.”
In garnering her third state-bred stakes victory, Sheer Pleasure improved her overall record to 11-4-2-0. With the winner’s share of $60,000, she increased her earnings to $383,030.
“Martin got a good position on the first turn, that’s what won the race,” said D’Amato. “He just kind of stalked the pace on the backside, waited till the end there, and she just proved best.”
Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, Kiss At Midnight made her customary late run from off the pace, but had to settle for the place, finishing a head in front of pacesetting Swissarella. Off at 2-1, Kiss At Midnight paid $3.60 and $2.80.
“No excuses,” said Bejarano. “We had a good trip and she made one run. The winner got lucky today.”
Swissarella, who broke from post position three, was well rated on the lead by Edwin Maldonado, but just faltered late, finishing third, a nose in front of an on-coming Singing Kitty.
Off at 7-1, Swissarella paid $4.80 to show.
Fractions on the race were 22.79, 46.11, 1:10.70 and 1:23.54.
Racing resumes at Santa Anita on Thursday, with first post time for an eight-race card at 1 p.m. Admission gates open at 11 a.m.