Ky. Oaks trail: Mandella considers Las Virgenes for Ice Dancing

Perry and Ramona Bass’s homebred Ice Dancing served notice in the 3-year-old filly division last Sunday when rolling to a dominant 3 1/4-length victory in the Grade 3 Santa Ynez going seven furlongs. The victory could set up a potentially juicy matchup in the Las Virgenes (G3) going one mile Jan. 28 between Ice Dancing, Starlet (G1) winner Faiza and the highly regarded stakes winner Justique among others.

The Santa Ynez originally was scheduled to be run on Jan. 1 but was postponed a week when inclement weather forced the cancellation of that day’s racing program. The timing may preclude Ice Dancing from wheeling back in the Las Virgenes, Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella said.

“She is doing great and we will think about the Las Virgenes, but it might be too soon for her,” Mandella said.

In the Santa Ynez, Ice Dancing was last of five after an opening half mile in 45.12 seconds. She then took aim at the leaders on the turn under Flavien Prat and surged to the front in the final furlong to win going away in a final time of 1:23.26.

The expectations for Ice Dancing have been high since her arrival in Mandella’s barn last summer. After finishing third in her debut at Del Mar in August, she was sent straight to the Del Mar Debutante (G1), where she again finished third. The daughter of Frosted remained in graded-stakes company when fourth in the Chandelier (G2) going 1 1/16 miles before returning to the maiden ranks and scoring at Del Mar on Nov. 25.

“She always gave us the feeling she’s a pretty good filly, and hopefully she’s getting better,” Mandella said.