Sophie P wins photo finish in Santa Anita's Gamely Stakes

With Hawksmoor stumbling out of the gate, Sophie P rallied from mid-pack to take the Grade 1, $300,000 Gamely Stakes in a photo finish. It was the second start stateside for the 4-year-old filly, and she proved her connections right that she would be successful in the United States.

“I’ve had lots and lots of head bobs,” said owner Deron Pearson of D P Racing, “but this is the best one I’ve gotten in a Grade 1.”

Pearson looked at Sophie P during the 2017 Tattersalls December Sale. Coming off back-to-back wins at Musselburgh Racecourse in Scotland, he went back to look at her with trainer Jim Cassidy.

“We went back and Jim said, ‘Wow, how did we miss this filly?’ And she was just all racehorse, and we said, wow, she could do well here in the United States.” Pearson said.

In the Gamely, Hawksmoor was the even-money favorite with Sophie P breaking at 14-1 following sixth in the Grade 2 Royal Heroine Stakes. Madame Stripes was able to take over the lead as she bypassed a stumbling Hawksmoor at the break. Midnight Crossing and Mopotism were next in line, with jockey Kent Desormeaux settling Sophie P in fourth. Hawksmoor got her footing and sat in fifth ahead of Madam Dancealot while Beau Recall trailed far back.

The fillies were strung out for most of the 1 1/8 miles turf test. Madame Stripes opened the first quarter-mile in :23.92 and completed the half in :47.24. She hit three-quarters in 1:11.45 before the field started to bunch together. Desormeaux was close and looking for running room aboard Sophie P. Midnight Crossing moved out on the turn for home and Desormeaux was able to drive his mount home.

“Well it’s been a long time since I’ve had a horse absolutely fluttering around the racetrack… once presented she absolutely took off. She went racing,” Desormeaux said.

Midnight Crossing faded away and left Madame Stripes as the one to catch. Sophie P was grinding away at the margin between them but Madam Dancealot had snuck up the rail to challenge. Madame Stripes faded just before the wire but the winner was unclear. To her outside was Sophie P and to her inside was Madam Dancealot. The two closing fillies hit the wire in 1:48.53.

A photo finish revealed Sophie P had her nose in front over Madam Dancealot and Madame Stripes, giving Sophie P her fifth lifetime win in 21 starts.

Beau Recall, Hawksmoor, Midnight Crossing and Mopotism completed the order of finish.

As of right now, Pearson has not decided what’s next for his Grade 1-winning filly, saying, “We’ll just enjoy this one for a little bit.”