ARCADIA, Calif.—In her second start for trainer Carla Gaines, favored Big Summer proved best by one length in Friday’s $63,000 allowance feature, which was contested at about 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course. Ridden for the second time by Joe Bravo, the 4-year-old daughter of Mr. Big negotiated the course in 1:11.66.
A much improved second in her first start of the year at the statebred level going five furlongs on the Del Mar turf Aug. 28, Big Summer who was bred in California by Bob Abrams and Mitchell Dutko and owned by Abrams, Dutko and
“She’s been doing extremely well,” said Gaines. “We’re very happy with her performance today but we thought she broke her maiden down the hill, but that race (6 ½ furlongs on turf three starts back on Oct. 23, 2021) was run out of the chute. She’s easy to train, straight forward. All I have to do is keep her healthy.”
Breaking from the far outside, Big Summer was mid-pack at the half mile pole, swung four-deep at the dirt crossing and assumed command a furlong out while holding off the late run of Big Beauty.
The 4-5 favorite among a field of eight California-bred or sired fillies and mares, Big Summer paid $3.60, $2.40 and $2.20.
Out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Ultimate Summer, Big Summer now has two wins, four seconds and two thirds from her eight starts. With the winner’s share of $37,800, she increased her earnings to $146,960.
Big Beauty, also by Mr. Big, rallied nicely through the lane and was second-best under Juan Hernandez, finishing 3 ¾ lengths in front of Sunshine Babe. The second choice at 3-1, she paid $3.20 and $3.00.
The longest shot in the field at 31-1 with Abel Cedillo, Sunshine Babe rallied from last at the half mile to pay $5.00 to show.
Fractions on the race were 21.69, 43.24 and 1:05.70.
Friday’s riding star was Ramon Vazquez who tripled, winning races one and two, along with race six.
Racing resumes with first post time for a 10-race card on Saturday at 1 p.m. PT.
Santa Anita Press Release
Photo by Benoit
