Lexie Lou Makes Main Track Debut in La Canada

Lexie Lou, a consistent daughter of the Sadler’s Wells stallion Sligo Bay owned by Gary Barber and trained by Mark Casse, makes her main track debut in Sunday’s Grade II La Canada Stakes for 4-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles.

The bay filly bred in Canada has seven wins, three seconds and a third in 16 career starts, all on grass or synthetic surfaces.

She was a solid second behind none other than Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome in the Grade I Hollywood Derby on turf at Del Mar on Nov. 29, beaten just two lengths by the finalist for Horse of the Year, which will be announced tomorrow night in Florida.

Corey Nakatani, who has ridden Lexie Lou in her last two races, including a win in the Grade III Autumn Miss Stakes at one mile on Santa Anita’s turf last October, is confident she can make a successful transition.

“We’ll look at the race and see what Mr. Casse and Mr. Barber want to do,” Nakatani said. “With seven wins, she’s the kind of horse you like to ride, no doubt.

“She’s got a lot of heart, she’s beaten the boys before (in the Queen’s Plate Stakes at Woodbine last July) and she ran against California Chrome last time in a tremendous try. We’re looking forward to seeing if she can transfer that form to the dirt.”

The field for the La Canada: Fleet of Gold, Alex Solis, 12-1; Sam’s Sister, Elvis Trujillo, 2-1; Lexie Lou, Corey Nakatani, 6-5; Thegirlinthatsong, Rafael Bejarano, 8-1; Jojo Warrior, Martin Garcia, 4-1; Une Cherise, Joe Talamo, 15-1; Ramona’s Wildcat, Kent Desormeaux, 15-1; and Colonel Joan, Gary Stevens, 12-1.

Dancinthenightaway, unbeaten and untested in three daylight victories, tackles stakes foes for the first time in Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. holiday feature, the Grade II Santa Monica Stakes for older fillies and mares at seven furlongs.

Owned and bred in California by Al and Sandee Kirkwood, the 4-year-old daughter of 1998 Santa Anita Derby winner Indian Charlie has won her three starts by a combined margin of more than eight lengths.

Dancinthenightaway blew out four furlongs Thursday in a bullet 46.60, fastest of 90 drills at the distance, the average time of which was 49.01.

“She looks like a really good filly and she’s done nothing wrong to this point,” said trainer Mark Glatt. “I think she’s ready to step into stakes caliber company, and we’ll see if she’s as effective.

“I’ve been training for the Kirkwoods for a little over a year. I’ve been fortunate to get this opportunity and it’s good to see them with a real nice filly.”

The Santa Monica, which goes as race five: Master the Blues, Kent Desormeaux; Dancinthenightaway, Tyler Baze; Lexington Pearl, Victor Espinoza; Sam’s Sister, Elvis Trujillo; Harlington’s Rose, Joe Talamo; My Sweet Addiction, Gary Stevens; and Sweet Martini, Martin Garcia.

Fans can “buck up” thanks to another popular Dollar Day at Santa Anita Monday, the finale of a three-day holiday weekend at The Great Race Place.

On-track attendees can enjoy draft beers, hot dogs and sodas for a dollar each.

First post time is 12:30 p.m.

Source: Ed Golden, Santa Anita Stable Notes