Midnight Crossing steals Robert J. Frankel Stakes on front end

By Jonathan Lintner

Last year, the ownership group Abbondanza Racing purchased Goodyearforroses out of Keeneland’s November sale and and won in their first start with the Irish-bred filly.

History repeated itself Saturday when Abbondanza scored under the same scenario in the Grade 3, $100,000 Robert J. Frankel Stakes at Santa Anita Park, taking the race in back-to-back years.

"We have such a great group of owners and friends," said Bing Bush, representing the group. "Everyone at Abbondanza are friends, first and foremost. For us to get to have this experience together is just wonderful. It's absolutely beyond words."

Jockey Brice Blank guided Midnight Crossing all the way on the front end of the 1 1/8-mile test named in honor of the late, great trainer, Frankel. A 4-year-old daughter of Dark Angel, Midnight Crossing sold for $240,000 to Abbondanza and Medallion Racing last month at Keeneland.

The victory was 22-1 shot Midnight Crossing’s first in graded stakes company and came in the care of new trainer Richard Baltas.

"I worked her a couple mornings, and she's very delicate with her mouth," Blanc said. "Richie kind of told me, 'Just don't fight her. Let her get comfortable.' She broke a tad awkward, but then she just got in the bridle, just threw her head, and she settled in really nice."

A $2 win bet returned $47.60 as 2-1 favorite Penjade never engaged with the race, needing much faster fractions to run from the back. Midnight Crossing tracked through an opening quarter mile in 24.27 seconds and got the half in 48.94. She hit the wire in 1:48.10, essentially stealing the race.

Elysea’s World made a late run for second on the outside, topping Laseen in a blanket finish.

"When I hit the 3/8 pole," Blanc said, "they actually came to me, and she quickened...She just helped me throughout."