From Santa Anita Publicity
ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2020)–Next to last in a field of five heading into the far turn, Reddam Racing’s homebred An Eddie Surprise relished a change in tactics as she rallied from off the pace to take Monday’s $70,000 Wishing Well Stakes by a half length, providing Joel Rosario with his fourth win on the day. Trained by Doug O’Neill, An Eddie Surprise got 5 ½ furlongs in 1:02.40.
Ridden for the first time today by Rosario, An Eddie Surprise, a 5-year-old California-bred mare by Square Eddie, was into the bridle about four lengths off the lead at the rail approaching the quarter pole and swung three-wide a furlong out to win under confident handling.
“We were very confident, she got out of there not very quick in the beginning,” said Rosario. “I just let her be where she was and she started getting better going into the turn…I just try to figure out what makes my horse happy and to help them run their best. Yes, I think when they feel comfortable, they perform.”
Most recently second in a second condition allowance over the course on Feb. 2, An Eddie Surprise was third choice at 7-2 and paid $9.40, $4.60 and $2.60.
“We love her consistency,” said O’Neill. “Prior to the race, it looked like such an evenly matched race so you could win or run fifth and run your race. We just got a dream trip by Joel and it worked out perfect…We are just so blessed to call this home and there’s just nothing better than winning here at The Great Race Place.”
In getting her first-ever stakes win, An Eddie Surprise, who is out of the High Demand mare Dani Reese, improved her overall mark to 26-5-9-4. The winner’s share of $57,000, which included $12,600 in Cal-bred incentive money, increased her earnings to $341,952.
Miss Hot Legs, who sat second throughout, was off at 4-1 with Abel Cedillo returning $5.60 and $2.60 while finishing one length in front of pacesetter Kentan Road.
Kentan Road, favored at 8-5 with Jorge Velez, showed the way to the top of the lane and held third by a neck over Apache Princess while returning $2.40 to show.
Fractions on the race were 22.71, 45.07 and 56.56.