Santa Barbara Adds To US Haul In Beverly D Stakes

Santa Barbara (3f Camelot - Senta’s Dream, by Danehill) secured her second consecutive Grade 1 victory in impressive fashion when running out an easy winner of Saturday’s Beverly D. Stakes at Arlington Park.

Narrowly beaten in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes earlier this season, the Aidan O’Brien-trained bay overcame traffic problems to land the Belmont Oaks last month and was sent off the even-money favourite to repeat the feat at Arlington. Tracking the leaders under Ryan Moore, she was switched out two furlongs from home and led approaching the final furlong. Pushed out, she scored by an easy three lengths from multiple Graded winner Mean Mary (Scat Daddy).

Moore confirmed the impressive nature of their victory, saying, “She took me there too easy, really. She was just coasting the last furlong.” Connections previously earmarked the Breeders’ Cup Fillies’ and Mares’ Turf as their target for Santa Barbara.

Bred by Whisperview Trading, the daughter of Camelot is owned by Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Westerberg. Her half-brother Order Of Australia (Australia) landed last year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile and returned to winning ways in last month’s Group 2 Minstrel Stakes.