Escape Clause continues underdog story in Robert J. Frankel Stakes

A pair of speedsters, Pennsylvania-bred Fahan Mura and Canadian-bred Escape Clause would appear to rate good chances in Saturday’s Grade 3, $150,000 Robert J. Frankel Stakes. Named in honor of the legendary late Hall of Fame conditioner, the Frankel has attracted a field of eight fillies and mares aged 3 and up and runs on the same card as the Grade 1 American Oaks.

FAHAN MURA

Owner: Bran Jam Stable & David W. Clark                                    

Trainer: Vladimir Cerin  

Well beaten after opening up by some four lengths early in Del Mar’s Grade 1 Matriarch at one mile on turf Dec. 2, this 4-year-old filly by English Channel returns to a course she adores, evidenced by her five wins from six Santa Anita turf starts. A close second to two starts back behind top distaffer Vasilika in the Grade 2 Goldikova Stakes at one mile on turf here Nov. 4, Fahan Mura has flourished under Cerin’s guidance, posting a 10: 6-1-1 mark this year, good for 2018 earnings of $275,665. She’ll be ridden for the ninth consecutive time by Edwin Maldonado, who’s guided her to four wins in her last eight starts.

ESCAPE CLAUSE

Owner: Don Schnell                             

Trainer: Don Schnell  

Bred in Manitoba, Canada, this 4-year-old filly is a truly amazing sort who will be making her 13th start of the year at her sixth different track. From June 8 at Assiniboia Downs in Manitoba, through Oct. 21 at Century Downs, located in Rocky View, Alberta, she rattled off eight consecutive wins, prompting her owner/trainer to run next in the restricted Kathryn Crosby Stakes at Del Mar, a one-mile turf event in which she finished second, beaten a half-length. She was subsequently placed first following a stewards’ inquiry. Following that, she stretched out to 1 3/8 miles on turf in the Grade 3 Red Carpet Handicap and finished third, beaten one length. With a 12: 9-1-2 mark this year, Escape Clause is 26: 18-3-3 overall, with earnings of $354,500.

THE ROBERT J. FRANKEL STAKES WITH JOCKEYS & WEIGHTS IN POST POSITION ORDER

Race 4 of 10

Approximate post time 1:30 p.m. PT

1. Lucy De—Flavien Prat—120

2. Escape Clause—Ruben Fuentes—122

3. Quebec—Joel Rosario—120

4. Fahan Mura—Edwin Maldonado—122

5. Sweet Charity—Tyler Baze—120

6. Gliding By—Drayden Van Dyke—120

7. Amboseli—Kent Desormeaux—120

8. Excellent Sunset—Rafael Bejarano—120