Las Virgenes Stakes Showcases High Thoroughbred Fillies on The Highway to The Kentucky Oaks

The Grade 1 Las Virgenes Stakes at Santa Anita is yearly one of many nation’s prime races on the highway to the Kentucky Oaks, the 3-year-old filly counterpart to the Kentucky Derby, on the primary Friday in Might. The 2012 version of the one-mile $250,000 Las Virgenes will happen March Three on a star-studded program additionally that includes the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap and Grade 1 Frank Kilroe Mile. The Las Virgenes is a part of Santa Anita’s three-race Stakes collection that is restricted to 3-year-old fillies with Kentucky Oaks aspirations. The Las Virgenes is preceded by the 6 1/2-furlong Santa Ynez Stakes and is adopted by the Grade 1, 1 1/16-mile Santa Anita Oaks on March 31. Since its inception in 1983, the Las Virgenes has featured a number of the biggest fillies to ever look by means of a bridle. Amongst these are such luminaries as Blind Luck (2010), Rags to Riches (2007), Surfside (2000), Corridor of Famer Serena’s Tune (1995) and Lite Mild (1991). All of these fillies would go on to win the Kentucky Oaks and/or be named champion 3-year-old filly on the finish of the yr. Maybe most notable of that group is Rags to Riches. In the summertime of 2007, the daughter of A.P. Indy was despatched to face the boys for the primary time in her profession within the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown. Rags to Riches would shock the racing world within the Belmont, outdueling eventual two-time Horse of the 12 months Curlin in a slugfest down the stretch to turn into the primary filly to win the Belmont Stakes in 102 years. The 2012 Las Virgenes is anticipated to be headlined by Reneesgotzip, in response to the Santa Anita publicity workplace. The daughter of Metropolis Zip is undefeated in two profession begins, which incorporates the Santa Ynez when making her Stakes debut Jan. 15. Educated by Peter Miller, Reneesgotzip has proven star potential thus far and an enormous efficiency within the Las Virgenes would vault her close to the highest of the 3-year-old filly division. Moreover, a win by Reneesgotzip would supply jockey Corey Nakatani along with his record-breaking fifth win within the Las Virgenes. Nakatani beforehand received in 1991, 1995, 1997 and 2005 to guide all jockeys. One potential chink within the armor for Reneesgotzip is she’s bred to be a sprinter and this will probably be her first strive operating round two turns. It will likely be attention-grabbing to see how the filly reacts when the races get longer this spring. Santa Anita officers mentioned 5 3-year-old fillies are anticipated to tackle Renessgotzip within the 2012 Las Virgenes. They’re Attraction the Maker, Killer Graces, Made to Love Her, Willa B Superior and Your Particular Day. The 2011 Las Virgenes winner, Zazu, set the Stakes report when finishing the one-mile in 1:34.86. Corridor of Fame coach D. Wayne Lukas leads his respective class in variety of Las Virgenes wins with 5 stretching from 1984 to 2000, which incorporates Serena’s Tune and Surfside. Robert and Beverly Lewis have essentially the most wins amongst house owners with three, which included Serena’s Tune.