Arienza makes stakes debut

While the racing world still has at least three years until the much anticipated racing debuts of Zenyatta's and Rachel Alexandra's first foals, fans can watch the daughter of the third mare to be named Horse of the Year after racing at Oaklawn Park make her stakes debut this Saturday in the $75,000 Prima Donna Stakes.

Coming off an impressive career debut, Robert and Lawana Low's Arienza, the second foal out of 2002 Horse of the Year and three-time Apple Blossom (G1) winner Azeri, was installed as the 9-5 second-choice on the morning line for the six-furlong stakes, the 10th of 11 live races. The race drew a field of eight with the Giant's Causeway filly receiving the outside post.

While history has shown it is often difficult for children of "celebrities" to find their way in the world, Arienza has done everything right this winter for trainer Danny Peitz. Following her 2 ½-length victory, she returned to the track and fired a bullet half-mile workout in 46 1/5 on March 20. Terry Thompson picks up the mount from Michael Baze, who is in New Orleans to ride several stakes horses for trainer Steve Asmussen, including impressive Oaklawn maiden winner Nehro in the Louisiana Derby (G2).