Camelia Rose Hopes for Firm Turf

Camelia Rose looked like a winner in deep stretch in the Grade II Santa Ana Stakes on March 25, but Vamo a Galupiar rallied five-wide to win by a half-length on a turf course listed as “good.”

“The ground was very soft that day and she’s definitely a better filly on faster ground,” said Simon Callaghan, who trains the 4-year-old French-bred filly for owner J. Paul Reddam. “We were only beaten a length and three-quarters and I think the ground makes a big difference with her.”

Camelia Rose was beaten a nose when blocked in her U.S. debut on March 1, then was outkicked late while running on the rail in the Santa Ana. She was favored each time.

The field for the Santa Barbara, the ninth of 10 races: Hard Seven, Edwin Maldonado, 8-1; Cambina, Rafael Bejarano, 3-1; Glowing Spirit, Victor Espinoza, 20-1; Capital Plan, Brice Blanc, 5-1; Vamo a Galupiar, Mike Smith, 5-2; Bauble Queen, Joe Talamo, 9-2; and Camelia Rose, Joel Rosario, 2-1.