Mia Lady Set for Turf Stakes Debut

If breeding means anything, Mia Lady should fancy the turf when she makes her grass and stakes debut at Santa Anita next Saturday in the $100,000 California Distaff Handicap at about 6 ½ furlongs on turf.

Mia Lady’s dam is Dear Lady, who was sired by Avenue of Flags. His progeny includes 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner California Flag, a downhill turf course specialist of the highest order.

“She’s breezed really well on turf,” said Simon Callaghan, who trains the chestnut filly for Charles Winner of Los Angeles. “She seems to handle it really well, so we’re looking forward to the race. She’s training well and it looks like a good spot for her.”

Mia Lady worked four furlongs on Santa Anita’s turf course Saturday in 48.40. Victor Espinoza, who has ridden her in each of her five starts, winning two, one on Betfair Hollywood Park’s synthetic Cushion Track and the other on Del Mar’s synthetic Polytrack, retains the mount Saturday.

“She’s handles those surfaces well but the breeding is there for grass,” Callaghan said.