ARCADIA, Calif.— Nick Alexander’s homebred Becca Taylor ran her unbeaten streak to six races in Monday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes at Santa Anita, as she overhauled determined longshot Omg It’s Jessica to prevail by 1 ¼ lengths. Trained by Steve Miyadi and ridden by Flavien Prat, the 4-year-old California-bred daughter of Old Topper got six furlongs in 1:10.86.
“Yes, since Craig (Dollase) told me his filly was going to take back, I was shocked she went to the lead like that. Seriously, I think it helped that Omg It’s Jessica had to rush up like she did. All the little nuances that go into running races, you never know. That probably took something away from her effort, she ran giant. As for my filly, Becca has gotten bigger, stronger but actually, I thought she would win easier than that. So, I’m not sure if she’s ready to face open company yet,” said Miyadi.
Sponsored by the CTBA, the Spring Fever is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired runners.
Breaking sharply from the outside in a field of five older fillies and mares, Becca Taylor was immediately engaged by Omg It’s Jessica, who held a half length advantage heading to the far turn, but “Becca” got on terms straightening for home and gained the advantage a furlong out. “She broke well and she got herself into the race, but I figured someone would go with me today. I was traveling super, I was really comfortable there. She made a good run turning for home and I think she looked even better than last year so that’s encouraging,” said Prat.
Fresh off a 5 ½ furlong allowance score on synthetic Tapeta at Golden Gate Fields Jan. 29, Becca Taylor, who took Santa Anita’s Evening Jewel Stakes two starts back on April 3, 2021, was the prohibitive 1-5 favorite and paid $2.40, $2.10 and $2.10.
Out of Alexander’s General Meeting mare Lady Sax, Becca Taylor now has two stakes wins and with today’s winner’s share of $60,000, increased her earnings to $274,980.
Her owner and breeder, Nick Alexander said, “I named this filly for my niece. She’s just a very special girl. She came over here from Hawaii, went to the University of Nevada and got a degree in Hotel Management. She fell in love, got married and moved back to Hawaii, where she was born. She works for a big beer company over there. I hope she was able to watch the race, we got a text from her and we sent her pictures.”
Trained by Craig Dollase and ridden by Victor Espinoza, Omg It’s Jessica, who had been idle since June 19, ran a huge race in defeat while finishing 2 ½ lengths in front of Super Game.
Off at 9-1, Omg It’s Jessica paid $4.60 and $3.60.
Ridden by Drayden Van Dyke, Super Game was one of two Brian Koriner entrants and she finished 4 ½ lengths clear of her stablemate Smiling Shirlee.
Off at 9-2, Super Game paid $2.20 to show.
Fractions on the race were 22.10, 45.38 and 57.95.
Santa Anita Press Office
Photo: Becca Taylor wins the Spring Fever/Benoit Photo
