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Santa Anita Weekend Stakes January 12-13, 2008

By , About.com Guide

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Indian Blessing wins the 2008 Santa Ynez Stakes

Indian Blessing with Garrett Gomez up wins the Santa Ynez at Santa Anita Park.

Indian Blessing with Garrett Gomez up wins the 2008 Santa Ynez Stakes at Santa Anita Park.

© EquiSportPhotos.com
The distaff side took center stage on Sunday before a crowd of 7,206. Undefeated Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Indian Blessing returned to the track as the 1-10 favorite in the $150,000 Santa Ynez Stakes (G2) for 3-year-old fillies at 7 furlongs. The 1-10 favorite sped to the early lead under regular rider Garrett Gomez while being challenged by Peisinoe down the backstretch. At the top of the lane, Indian Blessing was pushed along and opened up a 3 length lead with a furlong to go, after getting 6 furlongs in a brisk 1:07.14. 12-1 Golden Doc A put in a late run but Indian Blessing held her off late to win by a head in 1:19.89. It was a long 7 3/4 lengths back to Peisinoe in third.
Results chart

Trainer Bob Baffert said, "It was supposed to be an easy out, but those are the hardest ones to win, but she ran her heart out today. It's exciting to have a filly like that. She keeps winning, that's all she does. I thought they'd leave her alone, but Solis (aboard Peisinoe) was on the outside just pressing her. She just digs in, she just keeps winning. She ran pretty hard today, so I'll let her dictate where she wants to run next, but we're not in a hurry with her."

Jockey Garrett Gomez added, "She was a little fresh today. Alex put quite a bit more pressure on us than I expected and I wasn't able to get her to settle like I wanted. I knew with the pressure we got somebody might be coming at us and at the 1/16 pole, I could feel (Golden Doc A) coming. At that point I had to get after her a little bit. She's a very honest filly."

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