Grade 1 winner SHARP LISA (Dixieland Band), who is looking to redeem herself off a
close fourth in her turf debut last out, will square off versus Santa Ana H.
(G2) runner-up ARGENTINA (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells) again in Saturday’s $200,000 Santa Barbara H. (G2) at Santa Anita. The chestnut four-year-old
captured last year’s Las Virgenes S. (G1) and Santa Ynez S. (G2) at Santa Anita,
but she’s yet to break through with a victory in three starts this year. Her best
placing came
as a third in the La Canada S. (G2) two back, but she finished much closer last
time in the Santa Ana when beaten only three-quarters of a length. She’ll keep jockey Corey Nakatani aboard for Saturday’s race while toting the co-highweight of 116
pounds.
Argentina, the other highweight, made her U.S. debut a very respectable
half-length second in the Santa Ana. She’s a listed French stakes winner and
a multiple Group 1 runner-up. One of those Group 1s came in the Prix Saint-Alary
(Fr-G1) going Saturday’s 1 1/4-mile distance. Conditioned by Bobby Frankel since
arriving stateside, Argentina will have Alex Solis back in the saddle while
going for her first U.S. win.
The complete field for the Santa Barbara, with jockeys and imposts, is CISSY
(Arg) (Acceptable), Martin Pedroza, 113; Sharp Lisa; HALLOWED DREAM (Ire) (Alhaarth),
Jon Court, 114; ETERNAL MELODY (NZ) (Shinko King), Garrett Gomez, 114; THEATER
R. N. (Theatrical [Ire]), Pat Valenzuela, 114; Argentina; and AUBONNE (Ger) (Monsun),
Victor Espinoza, 114.
Two races later at Santa Anita on Saturday, a field of nine has been entered
to go about 6 1/2 furlongs on the downhill turf course in the $100,000 San
Simeon H. (G3). Grade 1-placed SAINT BUDDY (Saint Ballado) enters the event off
a third in the Santana Mile H. on the main track and is still seeking his first
stakes victory.
PURE AS GOLD (Stolen Gold) will break from the rail under Valenzuela while
carrying 114 pounds. To his outside will be GRAFTON (Rahy), Gomez, 113; SIREN
LURE (Joyeux Danseur), Solis, 122; DIAMOND FURY (Sea of Secrets), Tyler Baze,
113; MARGARITALOSFLORES (Artax), Aaron Gryder, 111; WE ALL LOVE ALEYNA (Nines
Wild), Espinoza, 117; SEATTLE BUDDY (Seattle Slew), David Cohen, 112; MOTH BALL
(GB) (Royal Applause [GB]), David Flores, 113; and Saint Buddy, Court, 114.